ristian  Hjwms 


m 


^Da-niel  Joseph  )D<m»hoe 


CZ- 


FROM   THE   LIBRARY   OF 
REV.    LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,   D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED    BY   HIM   TO 

THE   LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON   THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY 


ARL 
HRISTIAN   HYMNS 

Being  Translations  of  the  most  notable  Latin 
Hymns  of  the  Early    and   Middle  Ages 

By  DANIEL  JOSEPH  DONAHOE 

pp.,  i2mo.   cloth,   gilt  top,   price  $2.00  net,  (postage  15c.) 

^HE  volume  contains  accurate  and  elegant  translations  of  all  the 
great  or  notable  hymns  from  those  of  St.  Hilary  (born  300  A. 
D.)  to  those  of  Pope  Urban  VIII  (born  1568).  Hitherto  many 
of  the  worthiest  verses  of  the  ancient  singers  of  sacred  themes  have 
lacked  adequate  English  representation  but  the  reader  will  find  that 
these  translations  are  remarkably  correct  and  scholarly  and  also  highly 
poetical,  a  combination  of  virtues  quite  unusual. 

All  that  body  of  acred  song  contained  in  the  Roman  Breviary  and 
consisting  of  the  beautiful  Ambrosian  hymns,  the  sublime  verses  of 
Fortunatus,  the  devotional  effusions  of  St.  Gregory  the  Great,  and  the 
solemnity  and  splendor  of  St.  Thomas  Aquinas,  will  be  found  arrayed 
in  garments  which  are  fully  worthy  of  the  great  originals.  The  hymns 
are  traced  to  their  authors,  where  known,  of  whom  brief,  but  valuable, 
biographical  accounts  are  given. 

The  translations  of  such  great  hymns  as  "  Vexilla  Regis  *'.  "  Pange 
Lingua"  (both  that  of  Fortunatus  and  that  of  St.  Thomas  Aquinas), 
"Lauda  Sion",  ''Dies  Irae'\  "Stabat  Mater"  and  many  others  both  of 
the  Ambrosian  and  the  later  period,  —  hymns  that  are  alive  with  the 
very  breath  of  Christianity, — cannot  fail  to  take  a  permanent  place  in 
the  Christian  anthology  of  our  language.  For  this  reason  "  Early 
Christian  Hymns"  may  be  characterized  as  one  of  the  most  important 
productions  of  recent  years. 

THE    GRAFTON    PRESS,  Publishers 
70  FIFTH  AVENUE.  NEW  YORK 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Library 


http://archive.org/details/eanhyOOdona 


EARLY 
CHRISTIAN     HYMNS 


EARLY 
CHRISTIAN    HY; 


TRANSLATIONS  OF   THE    VERSES   OF   THE 

MOST  NOTABLE   LATIN    WRITERS   OF 

THE  EARLY  AND  MIDDLE  AGES 


BY  *  S 

DANIEL   JOSEPH    DONAHOE 

Author  of  "  Idyls  of  Israel,"  "  A  Tent  by  the  Lake,"   "  In  Sheltered  Ways,' 
"  The  Rescue  of  the  Princess,"  etc. 


THE     GRAFTON     PRESS 

PUBLISHERS  NEW    YORK 


Copyright,  1908  by 
THE  GRAFTON  PRESS 

IN  THE  UNITED  STATES 
AND     GREAT      BRITAIN 


PREFACE 

This  volume  may  fairly  be  said  to  contain  the  best 
religious  songs  of  all  the  ages  of  the  Latin  Church.  The 
name  of  the  work  would  indicate  that  only  the  earlier 
hymns  were  included;  and  that,  indeed,  was  the  in- 
tention of  the  author  when  the  publication  of  the  book 
was  commenced.  But  as  some  of  the  hymns  inserted 
in  that  treasure-house  of  spiritual  song,  the  Roman 
Breviary,  since  the  pontificate  of  Urban  VIII.  are  ex- 
quisitely beautiful,  both  in  poetry  and  religious  feeling, 
it  has  been  deemed  best  to  make  the  work  sufficiently 
complete  to  include  practically  all  the  hymns  there 
found,   both  ancient  and  modern. 

Many  of  the  hymns  here  translated  were  gleaned  from 
the  pages  of  the  great  works  of  Daniel,  Alone  and 
\\  ackernagel.  A  volume  of  Latin  hymns  published  by 
Professor  March  of  La  Fayette  College,  will  be  found  to 
contain  a  number  of  the  most  beautiful;  but  the  chief 
source  has  been  the  Roman  Breviary.  And  as  that 
work  is  more  easily  obtained  by  the  ordinary  student, 
than  the  great  collections  above  named,  it  has  been 
thought  advisable  to  note  all  hymns  drawn  from  that 
source,  so  that  the  reader,  who  may  desire  to  compare 
the  translation  with  the  original,  will  have  little  diffi- 
culty in  doing  so. 


VI  PREFACE 

The  attempt  to  turn  these  glorious  songs  of  the  Church 
into  something  fairly  representative  of  the  thought  and 
feeling  of  the  original  has  been  a  labor  of  love  during 
the  past  four  years.  The  translator  has  always  been 
an  ardent  lover  of  the  Latin  hymns,  but  the  idea  of 
making  English  versions  of  them  came  about  as  if  by 
accident.  While  reading  the  Veni  Sancte  Spiritus, 
the  "golden  sequence,"  as  it  has  been  called,  one  Sun- 
day afternoon  in  April,  1904,  the  words  and  melody  of 
the  hymn  shaped  themselves,  as  it  were,  into  an  Eng- 
lish form,  without  any  apparent  effort,  a  form  which 
seemed  to  give  an  adequate  representation  of  the  orig- 
inal both  in  thought  and  feeling. 

Immediately  upon  the  appearance  of  that  poem  in 
print,  the  author  was  urged  by  scholarly  friends,  both 
clerical  and  lay,  lovers,  like  himself,  of  the  fine  old 
church  songs,  to  try  his  hand  at  others,  especially  those 
used  for  liturgical  purposes  and  found  in  the  Breviary 
and  Missal.  The  more  of  these  translations  that 
appeared,  the  more  popular  they  seemed  to  become. 

The  very  act  of  translating  afforded  a  singular  pleas- 
ure and  exhilaration  of  spirit.  In  a  short  time  the 
number  of  English  renderings  on  the  author's  hands 
became  so  great,  and  the  requests  of  friends  to  collect 
them  in  a  volume,  so  urgent,  that  the  present  work  is 
the  result. 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

ST.  HILARY 3 

A  Hymn  for  the  Penitent  (Ad  Coeli  Clara) 5 

A  Hymn  for  Pentecost  (Beata  Nobis  Gaudia) 6 

A  Morning  Hymn  (Deus  Pater  Ingenite) 8 

St.  Hilary's  Morning  Hymn  (Lucis  Largitor  Splendide)     ....  9 

A  Song  of  Dawn  (Jam  Met  a  Xoctis  Trans  tit) 10 

A  Song  of  Dawn  (Another  Version) n 

ST.  DAMASUS 13 

Hymn  to  St.  Agatha  (Martyr is  ecce  dies  Agathae) 15 

ST.  AMBROSE 17 

Easter  Hymn  (Aurora  Coelum  Purpurat) 19 

The  Truth  of  Truths  (Tristes  Erant  Apostoli) 20 

The  Resurrection  (Paschale  Mundo  Gaudium) 21 

A  Paschal  Morning  Hymn  (Rex  Sempiterne  Coelitum) 22 

Vesper  Hymn,  for  the  Feast  of  a  Martyr  (Deus  Tuorum  Militum)  23 

Hymn  for  Lauds  for  the  Feast  of  a  Martyr  (Invicte  Martyr  Unicum)  24 

An  Early  Morning  Hymn  (Jam  Lucis  Orto  Sidera) 25 

A  Hymn  for  Advent  (Creator  Alme  Siderum) 26 

Hymn  for  Matins  (Somno  Refectis  Artubus) 27 

A  Hymn  for  Advent  (En  Clara  Fox) 28 

Hymn  for  the  Nativity  of  Our  Lord  (Jesu  Redemptor   Omnium)  29 

A  Hymn  for  the  Night  Season  (Nox  Atra  Rerum) 31 

Paschal  Tide  (Ad  Regias  Agni  Dapes) 32 

Morning  Hymn  for  Ascension  Day  (Aeterne  Rex  Altissime)  33 

Vesper  Hymn  for  Ascension  Day  (Jesu  Xostra  Redemptio)      ...  35 

Pentecost  (Jam  Christus  Astra  Ascenderat) 36 

O  Splendour  of  the  Father's  Face  (Splendor  Pater nae  Gloriae)  .      .  37 

A  Morning  Hymn  (Aeterna  Coeli  Gloria) 39 

The  Morning's  Golden  Radiance  (Aurora  Jam  Spargit)      ...  40 

Evening  Hymn  (Te  Lucis  Ante  Terminum) 41 

vii 


Vlll  CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Hymn  for  the  Feast  of  a  Virgin  (Jesuy  Corona  Virginum)       .      .  42 

A  Night  Song  (Rerum  Deus  Tenax  Vigor) 43 

Hymn  Before  Daylight  (Consors  Paterni  Luminis) 43 

Hymn  for  Early  Morning  (Summae  Parens  Clementiae)  ....  44 

A  Hymn  for  Eventide  (Deus  Creator  Omnium) 4^ 

A  Morning  Prayer  (Rector  Potens  Verax  Deus) 47 

A  Hymn  to  the  Holy  Ghost  (Nunc  Sancte  Nobis  Spiritus).     ...  47 

A  Vesper  Song  (Jam  Sol  Recedit  Igneus) 4S 

O  Word  of  Might  (Verbum  Supernum  Prodiens) 49 

Hymn  for  the  Feast  of  a  Martyr  (Rex  Gloriose  Martyr  urn)     .      .  50 

A  Hymn  for  the  Feast  of  an  Apostle  (Aeterna  Christi  Mutter  a)  .      .  51 

A  Hymn  for  Sunday  (Aeterne  Rerum  Conditor) 52 

PRUDENTIUS         55 

A  Hymn  for  Epiphany  (0  Sola  Magnarum  TJrbium) 57 

Hymn  for  the  Holy  Innocents  (Audit  Tyrannus  Anxius)     ...  58 

Hymn  for  the  Holy  Innocents  (Salvetey  Flores  Martyr  um)    ...  59 

A  Morning  Hymn  (Ales  Diet  Nuntius) 60 

The  Glory  of  Christ  (Quicumque  Christum  Quaeritis)      ....  61 

Morning  Hymn  (Nox  et  Tenebrae  et  Nubilae) 62 

Behold  the  Golden  Light  (Lux  Ecce  Surgit  Aurea) 63 

SEDULIUS         65 

A  Christmas  Hymn  (A  Solis   Ortus  Car  dine)  ........  67 

Hymn  for  Epiphany  (Crudelis  Herodes  Deum) 68 

ELPIS 71 

To  Sts.  Peter  and  Paul,  Apostles  (Decora  Lux  Aeternitatis)       .      .  73 

FORTUNATUS 75 

On  the  Holy  Cross  (Crux  Benedicta  Nitet) yj 

Vesper  Hymn  to  the  Virgin  (Ave  Maris  Stella) 78 

A  Hymn  for  Matins  (Quern  Terra,  Pontus,  Sidera)        .      .  .      .  80 

A  Hymn  to  the  Virgin  (0  Gloriosa  Virginum) 81 

The  Holy  Cross  (Vexilla  Regis) 82 

The  Crucifixion  (Pange  Lingua) 83 

ST.  GREGORY  THE  GREAT 87 

The  Works  of  the  Days  (Luc is  Creator  Optime) 91 

The  Works  of  the  Days  (Immense  Coeli  Conditor) 92 


CONTENTS  IX 

PAGE 

The  Works  of  the  Days  (Telluris  Alme  Conditor) 92 

Thf.  Works  OF  THI   Days  (Coeli  Deus  Sanctissime)          93 

The  Works  of  the  Days  [Magna*  Deus  Potentiae) 94 

The  Works  of  the  Days  (flnminis  Superne  Conditor)       ....  95 

The  Works  of  the  Days  (Doxology) 95 

A  Morning  Hymn  (0  Sol  Salutis  Intimis) 96 

A  Lenten  Hymn  (Audi,  Benigne  Conditor) 97 

Hymn  to  the  Saviour  {Salvator  Mundi  Domine) 98 

Early  Morning  Hymn  (Rerum  Creator  Optime) 99 

A  Hymn  for  Lent  (Ex  More  Docti  Mystico) 100 

A  Hymn  for  Matins  (Tu  Trinitatis  Unitas) 101 

Sunday  Morning  Hymn  (Primo  Die  Quo  Trinitas) 103 

At  Matins  (Nocte  Surgentes) 104 

At  Matins  (Another  Version) 105 

At  Daybreak  (Ecce  Jam  Noctis) 105 

At  Daybreak  (Another  Version) 106 

A  Hymn  for  Pentecost  (Vent  Creator  Spiritus) 107 

EUGENIUS         109 

The  Prayer  of  Eugenius  (Rex  Deus,  Immensi) in 

PAUL  THE  DEACON 113 

Vesper  Hymn  to  St.  John  the  Baptist  (Ut  Queant  Laxis)      .      .      .  115 

Hymn  for  Matins  (Antra  Deserti) 116 

Hymn  for  Lauds  (0  Nimis  Felix) 117 

ST.  PAULINUS  OF  AQUILEIA 119 

The  Apostles,  Peter  and  Paul  (Felix  Per  Omnes  Festum)  ...  121 

THEODULPHUS 123 

Hymn  for  Palm  Sunday  (Gloria,  Laus  et  Honor)     ......  125 

RABANUS  MAURUS        127 

Vesper  Hymn  for  All  Saints  (Placare  Christe  Servulis)    .      .      .      .  129 

Morning  Hymn  for  All  Saints  (Salutis  Aeterne  Dator)     .      .      .      .  130 

Hymn  to  the  Archangel  Raphael  (Tibi  Christe  Splendor  Patris)   .  131 

Hymn  to  the  Archangel  Michael  (Te  Splendor  et  Virtus  Patris)    .  132 

O  Jesus,  Joy  of  Angel  Choirs  (Christe,  Sanctorum  Decus)          .      .  133 

Hymn  for  the  Apostles  (Exultet  Orbis  Gaudiis) 134 

Hymn  for  the  Feast  of  a  Confessor  (Jesu  Redemptor  Omnium)  135 


X  CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Hymn  for  a  Confessor  (Iste  Confessor  Domini) 136 

NOTKER ...  139 

The  Alleluiatic  Sequence  (Cantemus  Cuncti) 141 

ST.  ODO  OF  CLUNY 143 

For  St.  Mary  Magdalene  (Summi  Parentis  Unice) 145 

ROBERT  L,  KING  OF  FRANCE 147 

Hymn  for  Whitsunday  (Veni  Sancte  Spiritus) 149 

HERMANN  CONTRACTUS 151 

Vesper  Hymn  to  the  Virgin  {Alma  Redemptoris  Mater)     ....  153 

A  Vesper  Psalm  (Salve  Regina) 153 

Vesper  Hymn  (Ave  Regina  Coelorum) 155 

PIERRE  ABELARD 157 

The  Everlasting  Sabbath  (0  Quanta  Qualia) 159 

The  Everlasting  Sabbath  (Another  Version) 161 

ST.  BERNARD  OF  CLAIRVAUX 165 

Vesper  Hymn  to  Jesus  (Jesu  Dulcis  Memoria) 167 

Hymn  to  the  Holy  Name,  for  Matins  (Jesu  Rex  Admirabilis)     .      .  168 

Morning  Hymn  to  Jesus  (Jesu  Decus  Angelicum) .169 

Hymn  to  the  Saviour  (Jesu  Mi  Bone,  Sentiam) 170 

THOMAS  OF  CELANO        171 

The  Last  Judgment  (Dies  Irae) 173 

ST.  BONAVENTURE 177 

The  Passion  of  Our  Lord  (In  Passione  Domini) 179 

On  the  Holy  Cross  (Recordare  Sanctae  Crucis) 180 

ST.  THOMAS  AQUINAS 183 

Hymn  for  the  Blessed  Sacrament  (Verbum  Supernum  Prodiens)     .  185 

The  New  Pasch  (Pange  Lingua) 186 

Morning  Hymn  for  Corpus  Christi  (Sacris  Solemniis)    ....  187 

Hymn  for  Private  Meditation  (Adoro  Te  Devote) 189 

Hymn  for  Holy  Communion  (0  Esca  Viatorum) 190 

Sequence  for  Corpus  Christi  (Lauda  Sion) 191 


CONTENTS  Xl" 

r.\(,t. 

JACOPONE  DA  TODI         195 

The  Sorrowful  Mother  (Stabat  Mater  Dolorosa) 197 

THOMAS   A   KEMPIS 201 

Meekness  (Adversa  Mundi  Tolera) 203 

Suffer  With   Humility  (Quum  a  Malis  Molestaris) 203 

Life  (Labor  Parva  est) 203 

The  Fruits  of  Patience  (Patiendo  Fit  Homo)         204 

Trust  in  God  (In  Domino  Semper  Spera) 204 

CARDINAL  SILVIO  ANTONIANO 205 

Hymn'  for  the  Feast  of  Holy  Women  (Fortem  Fir  Hi  Pectore)       .      .  207 

CARDINAL  ROBERT  BELLARMIN 209 

Hymn  for  the  Feast  of  St.  Mary  Magdalene  (Pater  Superni  Luminis)  2 1 1 

Hymn  for  the  Feast  of  the  Angel  Guardian  (Aeterne  Rector  Siderum)  212 

Hymn  to  the  Angel  Guardians  (Custodes  Hominum  PsaJlimus)       .  213 

URBAN  VITI 215 

Hymn  to  St.  Theresa  (Regis  Superni  Nuntia)          217 

Hymn  to  St.  Theresa  (Haec  est  Dies) 217 

Hymn  to  St.  Elizabeth  of  Portugal  (Domare  Cordis  Impetus)           .  218 

Hymn  for  the  Feast  of  St.  Martina  (Martinae  Celebri  Plaudite)      .  219 

Hymn  for  the  Feast  of  St.  Martina  (Tu  Natale  Solum  Protege)   .  220 

The  Transfiguration  (Lux  Alma  Jesu  Mentium) 221 

Hymn  to  St.  Joseph  (Te  Joseph  Celebrent  Agmina  Coelitum)    .      .      .  221 

To  St.  Joseph  (Coelitum  Joseph  Decus) 222 

Morning  Hymn  to  St.  Joseph  (Iste  Quern  Laeti  Colimus)        .      .      .  223 

Hymn  for  the  Feast  of  a  Confessor  (Jesu  Corona  Celsior).      .      .  224 

HYMNS  BY  UNKNOWN  AUTHORS 227 

Hymn  to  the  Blessed  Virgin  (Flos  Pudicitiae.     A  Cento)      .      .      .  229 

Hymn  to  the  Blessed  Virgin  (Flos  Pudicitiae.     A  Cento)      .      .      .  230 

Hymn  to  the  Blessed  Virgin  (Aurora  Quae  Solem  Paris)       .      .      .  230 

Hymn  on  the  Dedication  of  a  Church  (Coelestis  Urbs  Jerusalem)    .  232 

Hymn  on  the  Dedication  of  a  Church  (Alto  Ex  Olympi  Venice)     .  233 

The  Prayer  on  Mount  Olivet  (Aspice  ut  Verbum  Patris)     .      .      .  234 

The  Prayer  on  Mount  Olivet  (Venit  e  Coelo) 235 

Hymn  on  the  Passion  of  Our  Lord  (Moerentes  Oculi)       ....  236 

Hymn  on  the  Passion  of  Our  Lord  (Aspice  In/ami  Deus)      .      .      .  237 


xii  CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Hymn  on  the  Passion  of  Our  Lord  (Saevo  Dolorum  Turbine)      ,      .  238 

Ox  the  Crown  of  Thorns  (Exite,  Sion  Filiae) 239 

On  the  Crown  of  Thorns  (Legis  Figuris  Pingitur) 240 

On  the  Spear  and  Nails  (Quaenam  Lingua  Tibi) 241 

On  the  Spear  and  Nails  (Salvete  Clavi  et  Lancea) 242 

On  the  Spear  and  Nails  (Tinctam  Ergo  Christi) 242 

On  the  Winding-Sheet  (Gloriam  Sacrae  Celebremus) 243 

On  the  Winding-Sheet  (Mysterium  Mirabile) 244 

On  the  Winding-Sheet  (Jesu  Dulcis  Amor  Meus) 246 

Our  Lady,  Help  of  Christians  (Saepe  Dum  Christi  Populus  Cruentis)  247 

Our  Lady,  Help  of  Christians  (Te  Redemptoris  Dominique  Xostri)  248 

On  the  Most  Precious  Blood  (Festivis  Rescnent  Com  pita)      .      .      .  249 

On  the  Most  Precious  Blood  (Ira  Justa  Conditoris)       ....  250 

On  the  Most  Precious  Blood  (Salvete  Christe  Vulnera)  ....  252 

On  the  Sacred  Heart  (Auctor  Beate  Saeculi) 253 

On  the  Sacred  Heart  (Qjucumque  Cerium  Quaeritis) 254 

On  the  Sacred  Heart  (En,  Ut  Superba  Criminum) 255 

On  the  Sacred  Heart  (Summi  Parentis  Filio)         256 

On  the  Sacred  Heart  (Cor,  Area  Legem  Continent) 257 

On  the  Seven  Dolors  (0  Quct  Undis  Lacrimarum) 258 

On  the  Seven  Dolors  (Jam  Toto  Subitus  Vesper) 260 

On  the  Seven  Dolors  (Summae  Deus  Clementiae) 261 

On  the  Maternity  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  (Te  Mater  Alma  Numinis)  261 

On  the  Maternity  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  (Coelo  Redemptor  Praetulit)  262 

On  the  Purity  cf  the  Blessed  Virgin  (Praeclara  Custos  Virginum)  263 

On  the  Purity  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  (0  Stella  Jacob)    .     *     -  264 


EARLY 
CHRISTIAN     HYMNS 


ST.   HILARY 

Born  at  Poitiers,  in  France,  about  a.d.  300,  St.  Hil- 
ary was  one  of  the  most  noted  men  of  his  age.  St. 
Augustine  styles  him  "The  illustrious  doctor  of  the 
Churches, "  and  St.  Jerome  characterizes  him  as  "a 
most  eloquent  man,  and  the  trumpet  of  the  Latins 
against  the  Arians." 

According  to  his  own  account,  St.  Hilary  was  brought 
up  in  idolatry;  but  made  a  special  study  of  religion, 
and  soon  was  led  to  conclude  that  the  system  of  poly- 
theism, under  which  he  had  been  trained,  was  absurd; 
and  he  became  convinced  that  there  can  be  only  one 
God.  This  led  him  to  a  study  of  both  the  old  and  new 
Testaments,  and  in  a  short  time  he  was  baptized,  and 
was  afterwards  ordained  as  priest. 

Before  his  conversion  he  was  married.  His  wife 
and  one  daughter,  Apra,  were  living  in  353,  at  which 
time  he  was  chosen  bishop  of  Poitiers.  From  the  time 
of  his  ordination  he  lived  in  perpetual  continency. 

He  was  banished  by  order  of  the  Emperor  Constan- 
tius  for  his  strong  opposition  to  the  Arian  heresy,  in 
356,  and  remained  in  exile  upwards  of  three  years. 

While  in  exile  he  sent  his  daughter  two  hymns,  one 
for  the  morning,  "Lucis  Largitor  Splendide,"  and  one 
for  evening,  which  does  not  seem  to  have  reached  our 
times,  unless  it  may  be  the  abecedary,  "Ad  Coeli  Clara, " 
as  some  think. 

3 


4  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

During  his  banishment  Hilary  opposed  the  Arians 
with  such  force,  that  they  requested  Constantius  to 
send  him  back  to  Gaul,  so  that  they  might  be  rid  of  his 
antagonism.  This  was  done  by  the  weak  Emperor, 
and  Hilary  returned  to  his  province  in  360. 

He  died  at  Poitiers  January  13,  368,  but  his  office  is 
celebrated  in  the  Roman  Breviary  on  the  14th. 

With  St.  Ambrose,  who  was  writing  at  the  time,  St. 
Hilary  was  a  powerful  influence  in  reforming  and  per- 
fecting the  songs  used  in  the  church  in  his  day.  The 
oriental  custom  of  antiphonal  singing,  first  said  to  be 
introduced  into  the  western  church  by  St.  Ambrose, 
was  probably  brought  by  Hilary  from  the  east,  at  the 
time  of  his  return  from  banishment. 


A  HYMN   FOR  THE   PENITENT 

Ad  Coeli  Clara 

I  AM  not  worthy,  Lord,  mine  eyes 
To  turn  unto  thy  starry  skies; 
But  bowed  in  sin,  with  moans  and  sighs, 
I  beg  thee,  hear  me. 

My  duty  I  have  left  undone, 
Nor  sought  I  crime  or  shame  to  shun, 
My  feet  in  sinful  paths  have  run, 
Sweet  Christ,  be  near  me. 

O,  fill  my  soul  with  grief  sincere 
For  mine  offences;  let  the  tear 
Moisten  my  pillow;  Father  hear, 
And  grant  repentance. 

For  all  my  many  crimes,  O  Lord, 
The  pains  of  hell  were  just  reward; 
But  thou,  O  God,  my  cry  regard, 
And  spare  the  sentence. 

Redeemer,  sole-begotten  Son, 
Father  and  Spirit,  three  in  one, 
Thou  art  my  hope;  as  ages  run 
Be  thine  all  glory. 

5 


EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

If  in  the  balance  thou  shouldst  weigh 
My  crimes,  there  were  nor  hope  nor  stay, 
But  Lord,  thy  clemency  I  pray, 
To  grace  restore  me. 

Dear  Jesus,  I  acknowledge  thee, 
Thou  gavest  thy  life  upon  the  tree; 
Who  takes  from  thy  Divinity 
Is  a  blasphemer. 

All  godless  errors,  proud  or  vain, 
The  false  belief  and  murmuring  strain 
Insult  thy  love,  thy  law  profane, 
Gentle  Redeemer. 

Sweet  Lord,  I  love  thy  holy  name; 
I  hear  my  mother  church  proclaim 
The  Spirit,  Sire  and  Son  the  same, 
One  God  eternal. 

Power,  love  and  glory  be  to  thee, 
O  high  and  holy  Trinity; 
Be  ours  the  bliss  thy  face  to  see 
In  light  supernal. 

A  HYMN  FOR   PENTECOST 

Beata  Nobis  Gandia 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 


T 


HE  rolling  years,  in  joy  complete, 
The  jubilee  of  glory  wrought, 


ST.    HILARY 

What  time  the  Heavenly  Paraclete 
His  gifts  to  the  apostles  brought. 

Aglow  with  living  light  he  came 
Upon  the  twelve  in  tongues  of  fire, 

That  the}*  might  all  the  world  inflame 
With  word  of  truth  and  pure  desire. 

Then,  guided  by  a  power  divine, 

The  tongue  of  every  elime  they  spake, 

Filled  with  God's  love,  as  with  new  wine, 
They  bade  the  earth  from  sin  awake. 

The  mystic  rites  are  all  complete, 
The  paschal-tide  is  overpassed; 

From  sin  and  shame  remission  sweet 
The  new  law  brings  our  souls  at  last. 

Dear  God  of  mercy  and  of  power, 
Bowed  at  thy  feet  in  prayer  and  love 

We  come;  send  down  thy  heavenly  dower, 
The  Spirit's  largess,  from  above. 

As  thou  hast  filled  our  lives  with  light, 
And  oped  our  bosoms  to  thy  grace, 

So  guide  us  ever  in  thy  might, 
And  fit  us  for  thy  dwelling-place. 

All  praise  to  God  the  Father  be, 
The  same  to  Christ,  the  risen  Son; 


EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 


And,  Holy  Paraclete,  to  thee, 
Forever  reigning,  three  in  one. 


A  MORNING   HYMN  ■ 

Deus  Pater  Ingenite 

*  1  ^HOU  unbegotten  God,  the  Sire, 

-*•       And  thou,  the  sole-begotten  Son, 
Who,  with  the  Spirit's  sacred  fire, 
Art  everlasting,  three  in  one; 

To  thee  no  mortal  calls  in  vain, 
Nor  doth  the  lover  of  the  light 

Lift  up  unheard  a  prayerful  strain 
Nor  blindly  seek  thy  holy  height. 

Nay,  Father,  they  that  sigh  for  thee, 
And  they  that  bow  in  humble  prayer, 

Or  yield  the  heart  on  bended  knee, 
Still  meet  the  sweetness  of  thy  care. 

Reminded  by  the  rising  sun, 

To  thee  our  grateful  hearts  we  bring; 
With  love  and  praise  and  orison, 

In  hymns  and  songs,  we  gladly  sing. 

Lord,  let  the  day  be  one  of  light, 
Build  all  our  labours  unto  thee; 

Thou,  who  hast  brought  us  out  of  night, 
Keep  us  in  strong  sincerity. 


ST.    HILARY 

ST.   HILARY'S   MORNING   HYMN 
Lucis  Largitor  Sflendidi 

r\  WONDROUS  giver  of  the  light! 

^^     By  whose  eternal  ray  serene, 
After  the  lingering  hours  of  night, 
The  glory  of  the  morn  is  seen,  — 

Bringer  of  light  indeed  art  thou; 

Not  like  the  common  sun  of  day 
That  o'er  the  world  is  rising  now 

And  shining  with  a  narrow  ray; 

Nay,  brighter  than  the  solar  beam, 
Thyself  the  sun  and  perfect  light, 

And  in  the  breast  thy  tender  gleam 
Illumes  with  glory  pure  and  bright. 

Creator  of  the  world,  be  near, 

Thou  radiance  of  the  Father's  face! 

Oh,  shield  us  from  all  shapes  of  fear 
And  guide  us  by  thy  saving  grace. 

Inspire  us  with  thy  living  breath, 

Dwell  in  our  hearts  both  night  and  day, 

Lest  by  the  tempter  lured  to  death, 
Our  erring  souls  be  made  his  prey. 

Be  all  our  actions  free  from  stain, 
Let  purity  our  souls  refine, 


10  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

That  shunning  evil  thoughts  and  vain, 
We  live  within  thy  laws  divine. 

Let  not  our  minds  be  overcome 
By  false  desire  or  deed  of  shame, 

And  be  our  hearts  a  shrine  and  home 
Wherein  shall  burn  thy  holy  flame. 

Our  hope,  O  Saviour,  is  in  thee, 
In  thee  we  trust,  we  seek  thy  light; 

Lord,  let  thy  love  a  beacon  be 

To  guide  us  through  the  gloom  of  night. 


A  SONG  OF  DAWN 

Jam  Met  a  Noctis  Trans  lit 

*  I  ^HE  bounds  of  night  are  safely  passed, 

-*-      And  slumber's  bars  asunder  cast, 
While  morn  uprises  on  the  blue 
And  bathes  the  skies  in  radiance  new. 

Soon  as  the  earliest  light  we  see 
We  lift  our  souls,  O  Lord,  to  thee; 
To  thee,  sweet  source  of  living  light, 
In  song  and  praver  our  hearts  unite. 

Renew  our  spirits,  Heavenly  Dove, 
In  holy  joy  and  deeds  of  love; 
The  brightness  of  thy  glory  give 
That  we  may  know  thy  light  and  live. 


ST.    HILARY  II 


To  thee,  ()  Lord  of  love,  we  raise, 

In  sounding  hymns,  eternal  praise, 
The  same  to  Christ,  the  sole-horn  Son, 
And  Holy  Spirit,  three  in  one. 


A  SONG  OF   DAWN 

(Another  version) 

tr  ROM  heaven  has  fled  the  starry  night, 
*-       And  startled  sleep  has  taken  flight; 
The  rosy  morn,  uprising,  spills 
Her  crystal  light  o'er  vales  and  hills. 

Soon  as  the  earliest  ray  we  see, 
Our  souls  are  lifted,  Lord,  to  thee; 
Dear  God,  to  thee,  our  prayers  we  bring; 
To  thee  rejoicing  hymns  we  sing. 

Lord,  be  our  hearts  and  hopes  renewed 
In  light  and  love  and  gratitude, 
So  may  our  deeds,  illumed  by  thee, 
Worthy  thy  love  and  glory  be. 

We  praise  thee,  Lord,  forevermore; 
Thee,  with  the  Son  our  souls  adore, 
And  with  the  Spirit,  three  in  one, 
Reigning  while  endless  ages  run. 


ST.   DAMASUS 

Born  in  the  city  of  Rome  a.d.  304,  of  Spanish  de- 
scent, St.  Damasus  engaged  himself  in  an  ecclesiastical 
state  at  an  early  age,  and  became  successively  reader, 
deacon  and  priest  of  the  parish  church  of  St.  Laurence 
in  that  city.  He  was  chosen  bishop  of  Rome  in  the 
year  366,  which  office  he  held  for  eighteen  years,  dying 
December  10,  384.  St.  Jerome  was  his  secretary  for 
three  years  before  the  pope's  death,  and  speaks  of  him 
as  "an  incomparable  person,  learned  in  the  Scriptures. " 
He  adorned  the  cemeteries  of  the  saints  with  epitaphs 
in  verse.  He  has  been  called  the  inventor  of  rhyme, 
though  without  satisfactory  proof. 

The  small  pious  Christian  poems  which  have  been 
printed  among  the  works  of  Claudian,  have  been  attrib- 
uted with  good  authority  to  Damasus. 

His  office  is  celebrated  in  the  Roman  Breviary  on 
December  II. 


n 


HYMN  TO  ST.   AGATHA 

Martyns  ccce  dies  Agathae 

T3RIGHT  shall  the  day  of  St.  Agatha  rise, 
-"-^    Virgin  and  martyr,  for  lo!  from  the  skies, 
Christ,  as  a  lover,  stooped  tenderly  down, 
Crowning  her  brow  with  his  duplicate  crown. 

Born  unto  affluence,  gentle  in  blood, 
Wealth  and  temptation  she  bravely  withstood; 
Earth  with  its  vanities  casting  aside, 
Binding  her  soul  to  her  God  as  a  bride. 

Stronger  of  heart  than  the  tyrant,  her  foe, 
Patient  she  bowed  'neath  the  lash  and  the  blow; 
And  by  her  bosom,  all  rent  by  the  sword, 
Proved  her  invincible  love  for  the  Lord. 

Bleeding  and  bound  in  the  prison,  behold! 
Peter  restored  the  sweet  lamb  to  his  fold; 
Gladly  she  faces  the  torture  again, 
Rising  in  triumph  o'er  evil  and  pain. 

Even  the  strangers,  who  knew  not  the  Lord, 
Flving  destruction,  were  saved  by  her  word; 
Surely  to  those  who  are  marked  with  His  seal, 
She  will  bring  graces  to  help  and  to  heal. 
l5 


l6  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Glorious  Agatha,  now  as  a  bride, 
Raised  by  thy  Saviour,  thou  stand 'st  at  his  side; 
Hear  us  and  plead  for  us,  keeping  thy  day, 
Lift  us  and  lead  us  to  Jesus,  we  pray. 

Praise  to  the  Father  and  praise  to  the  Son, 
Praise  to  the  Paraclete,  God,  Three  in  One; 
Blessing  and  glory  be  thine  evermore; 
Keep  us  and  care  for  us,  Lord,  we  implore. 


ST.   AMBROSE 

St.  Ambrose  is  unquestionably  the  greatest  of  all 
the  Latin  hymn  writers,  not  so  much,  perhaps,  by  reason 
of  the  value  of  the  hymns  in  themselves,  as  the  influ- 
ence which  those  hymns  have  produced  in  the    Church. 

St.  Ambrose,  son  of  Ambrose,  the  prefect  of  the  pre- 
torium  in  Gaul,  probably  in  the  city  of  Aries,  was  born 
in  the  same  city  in  the  year  340.  While  Ambrose  was 
yet  an  infant  his  father  died,  and  his  mother  returned 
with  him  to  Rome,  her  own  country. 

The  youth  learned  the  Greek  language,  and  became 
a  good  poet.  He  also  studied  law,  and  practised  with 
so  much  success,  that  he  wTas  soon  chosen  governor  of 
Liguria  and  iEmilia,  a  territory  including  what  after- 
wards became  the  diocese  of  Milan,  Turin,  Genoa, 
Ravenna  and  Bologna. 

On  the  death  of  Auxentius,  an  Arian,  who,  on  the 
banishment  of  St.  Dionysius,  had  usurped  the  see  of 
Milan,  the  people  of  that  community  were  stirred  up 
by  religious  strife,  some  demanding  an  Arian,  and  some 
a  Catholic,  as  bishop.  Ambrose  felt  it  his  duty  to  go 
to  the  church  and  preserve  peace,  and  made  an  admi- 
rable address  to  the  people,  exhorting  them  to  proceed 
in  their  choice  quietly  and  in  a  spirit  of  peace.  While 
he  was  yet  speaking,  a  child  cried  out  "Ambrose  Bishop.  " 
The  whole  assembly  took  up  the  cry,  and  both  Catho- 
lics and  Arians  unanimously  chose  him  as  bishop. 

17 


l8  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

He  strove  for  a  long  time  against  assuming  the  duties 
of  the  office.  But  at  last  he  felt  himself  obliged  to  yield 
to  the  wishes  of  the  people.  He  was  at  this  time  only 
a  catechumen;  but  he  was  soon  baptized,  and  received 
the  episcopal  consecration  on  December  7,  374. 

He  devoted  the  remainder  of  his  life  entirely  to  the 
church,  and  became  one  of  its  four  most  noted  Latin 
doctors;  the  others  being  St.  Jerome,  St.  Augustine 
and  St.  Gregory  the  Great. 

He  immediately  surrendered  all  his  lands  and  estates 
to  the  church,  reserving  only  the  income  for  the  use  of 
his  sister  Marcellina,  during  her  life. 

Most  of  the  hymns  which  occur  in  the  ferial  office  of 
the  Latin  Church  seem  to  be  either  by  St.  Ambrose  or 
in  his  style.  He  is  said  to  have  first  introduced  into 
the  west  the  custom  of  singing  hymns  in  the  church. 

His  hymns  are  so  composed  that  the  sense  ends  with 
the  fourth  verse,  so  that  they  may  be  sung  by  two  choirs. 
He  established  the  custom  of  chanting,  by  alternate 
choirs,  the  psalms,  and  other  religious  songs,  in  his 
church  at  Milan;  and  this  custom  soon  spread  to  all 
churches  of  the  west.  The  practice  was  introduced 
from  the  east.  Since  the  time  of  St.  Ambrose,  antiphonal 
singing  has  been  a  feature  in  all  Christian  churches. 

St.  Ambrose  died  about  midnight  before  Holy  Sat- 
urday, April  4,  397,  at  the  age  of  fifty-seven  years.  But 
his  feast  is  kept  and  office  celebrated  in  the  Roman 
Breviary  on  December  7,  the  day  on  w-hich  he  was 
consecrated  bishop.  His  body  lies  under  the  high  altar 
in  the  Ambrosian  basilica  at  Milan. 


EASTER   HYMN 

Aurora  Caelum  Pur  pur  at 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

I  ^HE  morn  awakes  with  rosy  glow, 
-*-       And  heaven  resounds  with  joyful  strain; 
Sweet  voices  cheer  the  earth  below, 
While  hell  is  rent  with  fear  and  pain. 

For  Christ,  the  King  of  love  and  might, 

Hath  conquered  death  and  broke  the  tomb; 

He  leadeth  forth  to  heavenly  light 

The  souls  that  long  have  pined  in  gloom. 

A  guard  was  set  before  his  grave, 

And  at  the  door  they  placed  a  stone,  — 

The  guarded  tomb  the  Saviour  clave,  — 
And  death  and  doom  are  overthrown. 

Then  cast  aside  the  mourning  weed, 
Restrain  the  tear,  let  sorrow  cease; 

"The  Saviour  Christ  is  risen  indeed,"  — 
Thus  speaks  the  messenger  of  peace. 

Be  with  us,  Jesus,  evermore, 

Our  paschal  joy  forever  be; 
Renew  our  lives,  our  hopes  restore, 

From  sin  and  sorrow  set  us  free. 
*9 


20  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Be  praise  and  love  and  glory  meet 
Unto  the  Sire  and  risen  Son, 

The  same  unto  the  Paraclete 
Forever  reigning  three  in  one. 


THE  TRUTH  OF  TRUTHS 

Tnstes  Erant  Apostoh 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

*  I  ^HE  sad  disciples  sat  in  gloom, 
-*-       For  in  the  grave  the  Crucified 
Was  laid  to  rest;  they  mourned  his  doom, 
And  shuddered  o'er  the  death  he  died. 

An  angel  to  the  women  gave 

The  truth  of  truths:  "God  is  not  dead; 
The  Lord  is  risen  from  the  grave, 

And  bids  his  flock  be  comforted. " 

The  women  hie,  these  tidings  sweet 
Unto  the  sorrowing  band  to  bring; 

Upon  the  road  in  joy  they  meet, 
And  there  adore  the  risen  King. 

Then  to  the  Galilean  height 

The  Apostles  haste,  their  Lord  to  see; 
He  sends  them,  blessed  with  bounteous  light, 

His  chosen  witnesses  to  be. 


_.._. 


ST.    AMBR081  21 


Be  with  us.  Lord,  forevcrmore, 
And  let  thy  resurrection  be 

Our  paschal  joy;  our  faith  restore, 
And  fill  our  souls  with  love  for  thee. 


THE   RESURRECTION 

P as  c  hale  Mundo  Gaud  mm 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

FN  paschal  joy  the  morning  sun 

-■-     Drives  from  the  world  the  gloom  of  night; 

The  faithful  see  the  Holy  One 

Shining  with  new  and  glorious  light. 

The  wounds  within  his  flesh  appear 
Like  stars  amid  the  heavens  aflame; 

The  brethren  rise,  and  void  of  fear, 
The  Christ,  their  risen  Lord,  proclaim. 

Most  clement  Jesus,  tender  King, 

Possess  our  souls  that,  all  aglow, 
The  tongue  may  fitly  say  and  sing 

The  love  that  unto  thee  we  owe. 

Be  with  us  evermore,  O  Lord, 

And  let  thy  resurrection  be 
Our  paschal  joy;  from  crimes  abhorred, 

In  loving  mercy  make  us  free. 


22  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

A  PASCHAL  MORNING  HYMN 

Rex  Sempiterne  Coelitum 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

ETERNAL  King  of  heaven,  thy  word 
Made  all  the  spheres  that  roll  above, 
Thou  art  the  everlasting  Lord, 
The  Son  of  everlasting  love. 

Thou  gavest  when  the  earth  was  new, 
To  Adam's  race  thy  image  bright; 

His  baser  clay  thou  didst  endue 

With  spirit  breathing  love  and  light. 

When  Satan's  wiles  in  evil  day 
Deformed  the  glory  of  the  race, 

Thou  robed'st  thyself  in  lowly  clay 
To  bring  again  the  godlike  face. 

Born  of  a  virgin  void  of  stain, 

Thy  birth,  thy  death,  thy  cloven  tomb, 

Cleansing  and  lifting  man  again 

Redeemed  the  soul  from  mortal  doom. 

Shepherd,  whose  love  with  grief  condoles, 
Thy  baptism  comes,  a  heavenly  rain, 

Bathing  with  grace  our  waking  souls, 
And  washing  out  each  deadly  stain. 


, 


ST.    AMBR08E  23 

Redeemer  sought  and  promised  long, 
Thy  blood  is  poured,  the  price  of  sin; 

Upon  the  cross  in  shame  uphung, 
Thy  life  is  paid,  our  life  to  win. 

Be  with  us  evermore,  O  Lord, 

And  let  thy  resurrection  be 
Our  paschal  joy;  from  crimes  abhorred 

In  loving  mercy  make  us  free. 

Give  praise  and  love  and  glory  meet 

Unto  the  Sire  and  Risen  Son; 
The  same  to  thee,  O  Paraclete 

Forever  reigning,  three  in  one. 


VESPER  HYMN,  FOR  THE  FEAST  OF  A  MARTYR 

Deus  Tuorum  Militum 

(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

OGOD,  of  all  thy  host  the  king, 
The  crown,  the  prize,  the  hand  that  stays, 
Absolve  from  stain  thy  flocks,  who  sing, 
And  sound  abroad  thy  martyr's  praise. 

All  joys  of  earth  to  him  were  nought, 
The  flattering  cup  of  pleasure  seemed 

But  bitter  gall;  he  only  sought 

The  ways  wherein  thy  glory  beamed. 


24  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

The  pangs  of  death  he  bravely  bore, 
He  felt  thy  presence  in  all  pain; 

Freely,  dear  Christ,  did  he  outpour 
His  blood,  thy  holy  light  to  gain. 

We  bow  before  thee,  pitying  Lord, 
We  sing  his  glory  for  thy  praise; 

Hear  us  and  bring  the  sweet  reward; 
Give  pardon  and  our  souls  upraise. 

All  praise  and  love  and  glory  be 
To  God  the  Father  and  the  Son, 

And  Holy  Paraclete,  to  thee, 
While  everlasting  ages  run. 


HYMN   FOR   LAUDS   FOR   THE   FEAST  OF   A 
MARTYR 

Invicte  Martyr  Unicum 

(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

UNVANQUISHED  soul,  brave  saint  of  God, 
True  follower  of  the  Martyred  Son, 
In  Christ's  bright  footsteps  thou  hast  trod. 
And  in  his  glorious  triumph  won. 

Lift  up  to  God  thy  prayers  for  us, 

That  he  may  purge  our  sins  away, 
May  change  our  evil  will,  and  thus 

Up-raise  our  souls  to  endless  day. 


ST     A  mi:  I 

The  chains  that  bound  thee  to  the  earth 

Are  stricken  from  thy  sacred  feet, 
Break  thou  our  chains;   thy  sacred  worth 
Can  gain  the  meed  of  mere}'  sweet. 

To  God  the  Father  glory  be, 

The  same  unto  the  sole-born  Son, 

And  heavenly  Paraclete,  to  thee 
Forever  reigning  three  in  one. 


AN   EARLY  MORNING   HYMN 
Jam  Lucis  Orto  Sidcra 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

WHILE  morn  awakes  with  wondrous  light 
We  come  to  thee,  O  Lord,  in  prayer; 
Guard  thou  and  guide  our  steps  aright 
And  keep  us  in  thy  holy  care. 

Lord,  let  our  tongues  be  free  from  blame, 

Nor  utter  wrords  of  guilt  or  strife; 
Lift  up  our  eyes  from  deeds  of  shame, 

And  all  the  vanities  of  life. 

Our  hearts  be  purged  and  purified 

That  nought  of  evil  shall  remain; 
From  worldly  vice  and  fleshly  pride 

Our  souls  by  temperance  restrain. 


26  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

So  keep  us,  Lord,  from  evil  free, 
Till  fades  in  dusk  the  sunset  flame, 

That  we  unstained  may  come  to  thee 
And  sing  the  glories  of  thy  name. 

All  praise  to  God  the  Father  be 
And  to  his  sole-begotten  Son, 

And  Holy  Paraclete  to  thee, 

Now  and  while  endless  ages  run. 


A  HYMN  FOR  ADVENT 

Creator  Alme  Siderum 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

H,  kind  Creator  of  the  skies, 
Eternal  light  to  guide  our  feet, 


o 


Give  ear  to  our  beseeching  cries 
And  save  us  in  thy  mercy  sweet. 

Descending  from  thy  throne  above, 

Thou  earnest  the  sluggish  world  to  win, 

Moved  by  the  power  of  mighty  love, 
Lest  earth  be  lost  in  death  and  sin. 

Brought  forth,  a  sacrifice  divine 
To  expiate  our  deeds  of  doom, 

Thy  way  was  through  the  sacred  shrine 
Of  earth's  most  precious  Virgin's  womb. 


ST.    AMBROSE  27 

Thy  name  is  power;  we  call  on  thee, 

And  Io,  thy  glory  shines  aflame, 
White  heaven  and  hell  with  trembling  knee 

Bow  down  before  thy  holy  name. 

To  thee  we  come,  we  cry  to  thee, 

O  Ruler  of  the  judgment  day; 
Defend  us  by  thy  grace,  lest  we 

With  powers  of  gloom,  be  cast  away. 

Be  honour,  praise  and  glory  meet 

To  God  the  Father  and  the  Son 
And  to  the  Holy  Paraclete, 

Forever  reigning,  three  in  one. 


HYMN  FOR  MATINS 

Somno  Refectis  Artubus 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

WITH  limbs  refreshed  by  slumber's   balm, 
We  spurn  the  needless  couch  and  rise; 
We  come  to  thee  w^ith  song  and  psalm, 
O  Father,  Lord  of  earth  and  skies. 

To  thee  the  waking  tongue  shall  sing, 
The  soul  with  fire  shall  seek  thy  love; 

And  thus,  O  Holy  One,  shall  spring 
Our  every  act  from  light  above. 


28  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Behold,  the  shadows  fly  the  dawn, 
Night  yields  unto  the  star  of  day; 

So  may  the  shades  of  vice  be  gone, 
And  every  stain  be  washed  away. 

Hear  us,  dear  Lord,  while  day  is  young, 
Banish,  we  pray,  all  guilt  and  crime, 

And  let  thy  love  by  every  tongue 
Be  sung  unto  the  end  of  time. 

Father  of  mercy,  unto  thee 

And  to  the  sole  and  equal  Son, 

And  Paraclete,  all  glory  be, 
Forever  reigning,  three  in  one. 


A  HYMN  FOR  ADVENT 

En  Clara  Vox 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

CLEAR  voice  sounds  from  out  the  skies 
The  hour  of  woe  has  passed  from  earth; 


A 


After  each  dream  of  darkness  flies, 
The  light  of  Jesus  shineth  forth. 

Now  lifts  her  head  the  torpid  soul, 
No  longer  prone  as  in  a  tomb, 

A  new  star  gleams  from  pole  to  pole, 
Its  glorious  rays  expel  the  gloom. 


ST.    AMBROSE  2Q 


Behold  the  Lamb!   he  conies  to  bear 
From  all  the  world  its  load  of  sin; 

O  let  us  haste,  in  humble  prayer, 
And  strive  his  loving  grace  to  win. 


■&  b" 


Shine  out,  O  wondrous  star,  on  high, 
Enclose  the  world  in  flaming  light, 

Let  us  not  fall  in  guilt  and  die; 

Lord,  guard  and  guide  our  steps  aright. 

Praise,  honour,  power  and  glory  be 
To  God  the  Father  and  the  Son, 

And  Holy  Ghost,  the  same  to  thee, 
Forever  reigning,  three  in  one. 


HYMN  FOR  THE  NATIVITY  OF  OUR  LORD 

Jesu  Rcdcmptor  Omnium 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

JESUS,  Reedemer  of  the  earth, 
Begotten  by  the  God  of  light, 
Equal  in  majesty  and  might, 
Before  the  day-star  had  its  birth; 

The  splendour  of  the  Father  thou, 

Of  humankind  the  living  hope, 

Aid  all  that  under  heaven's  cope 
Before  thy  holy  presence  bow! 


30  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Remember,  O  Creator  Lord, 

That  from  the  stainless  Virgin's  womb 
The  flesh  of  man  thou  didst  assume 

To  save  man's  flesh  from  guilt  abhorred. 

And  lo,  this  day  that  gave  thee  birth 
Shall  glorify  thy  holy  name, 
Who  from  the  Father's  bosom  came, 

Sole  Son  and  Saviour  of  the  earth. 

The  heavens,  the  earth,  the  rolling  seas, 
And  all  that  live  beneath  the  skies 
Uplift  to  thee  adoring  eyes 

And  hail  thee  with  new  harmonies. 

And  Saviour,  we  with  souls  bedewed 
In  thy  redeeming  blood,  upraise 
The  tribute  of  our  earnest  praise, 

Bowed  down  in  holy  gratitude. 

Let  endless  power  and  glory  be 

To  Christ  whom  stainless  Virgin  bore; 
The  Sire  and  Paraclete  adore, 

With  equal  love  eternally. 


ST.    AMBROSE  3  I 

A  HYMN  FOR  THE  NIGHT  SEASON 
Nox  Atra  Rerum 

(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

NIGHT  veils  the  earth  in  darkness, 
And  holds  the  skies  above; 
We  come  in  prayer  and  seek  thy  care, 
Just  Judge  and  Lord  of  Love. 

We  call  on  thee  to  save  us, 

From  grovelling  deed  of  shame; 
O  make  us  thine  by  grace  divine, 

To  love  and  bless  thy  name. 

Lo,  though  our  hearts  are  evil, 

Though  strong  the  tempter's  power, 

We  dare  to  raise  our  voice  in  praise, 
And  seek  thee  every  hour. 

Drive  from  our  hearts  all  darkness, 

All  evil  from  the  mind; 
Forever  be  our  joy  in  thee, 

O  Saviour  of  mankind. 

To  Sire  and  Son  and  Spirit 

Be  honour,  love  and  praise, 
Blest  Three  in  one,  whose  reign  shall  run 

Unto  the  end  of  days. 


32  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

PASCHAL  TIDE 

Ad  Regias  Agni  Dapes 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

TO  the  high  table  of  the  Lamb, 
White-robed,  we  come  with  song  and  psalm; 
The  Red  Sea's  passage  won,  we  sing 
In  triumph  unto  Christ,  the  King. 

We  glorify  the  love  divine, 
\\  ho  pours  for  us  his  blood  as  wine; 
Sweet  sacrifice!  he  deigns  to  give 
His  flesh  that  man  may  eat  and  live. 

The  blood  is  sprinkled  on  the  door, 
The  smiting  angel  passeth  o'er; 
The  cloven  path  across  the  sea 
Is  closed,  and  whelmed  the  enemy. 

Our  Pasch  is  now  the  Christ,  our  Lord, 
Our  victim  at  the  saving  board; 
The  true  unleavened  bread  is  he 
To  souls  of  faith  and  purity. 

Celestial  victim!  from  thy  face 
The  powers  of  darkness  fly  apace; 
The  chains  are  broken  from  the  tomb; 
True  life  is  won  and  death  o'ercome. 


ST.    AMBROSE  ]  | 

The  Victor,  Christ,  with  Bag  unfurled 

Brings  triumph  <>Yr  the  sinful  world, 
The  king  of  darkness  quells,  and  opes 
The  gates  of  heaven  to  human  hopes. 

Dear  Jesus,  bring  us  purity, 
That  thou  our  paschal  joy  may'st  be; 
Be  with  us  always;  let  thy  love 
Illume  our  spirits  from  above. 

To  God  the  Father  glory  be, 
The  same,  O  Risen  Son,  to  thee; 
And  to  the  Paraclete,  we  raise 
An  equal  meed  of  love  and  praise. 

MORNING   HYMN  FOR  ASCENSION  DAY 

Aeterne  Rex  Altissime 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

ETERNAL  King  and  Lord  most  high, 
Redeemer  robed  in  majesty, 
Who  didst  the  world  and  death  o'ercome 
And  rise  triumphant  from  the  tomb; 
Then  to  thine  everlasting  height 
Wast  lifted  in  a  cloud  of  light, 
Above  the  stars,  through  heaven's  cope,  — 
Thou  art  our  light,  our  love,  our  hope. 

Earth,  sea  and  sky,  the  threefold  frame 
Bow  down  before  thy  sacred  name, 


34  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

The  ranks  of  hell  in  terror  see, 

Feel  thy  stern  power,  and  bend  the  knee, 

Thy  angel  hosts  behold  and  know 

The  changed  estate  of  man  below, 

The  flesh  that  sinned,  made  clean  again, 

And  God  as  man  take  up  his  reign. 

Be  thou  our  lasting  joy,  O  Lord, 
Our  love  on  earth,  our  high  reward; 
Kind  Ruler  of  the  world,  inspire 
Our  longing  souls  with  holy  fire. 
To  thee  we  bow  our  hearts  in  prayer, 
Lord,  keep  us  from  the  tempter's  snare; 
Lift  up  our  souls  with  heavenly  grace, 
And  fit  us  for  thy  dwelling-place. 

So  when  thou  comest  in  majesty, 
Among  the  clouds,  our  judge  to  be, 
We  may  be  freed  from  guilt  and  pain 
And  our  lost  crown  assume  again. 
Jesus  to  thee  be  glory  meet, 
Triumphant  in  thy  heavenly  seat, 
Unto  the  Sire  and  Spirit  praise 
In  equal  meed  through  endless  days. 


ST.    AMBROSE  35 

VESPER   HYMN   FOR   ASCENSION   DAY 

Jesu  Nostra  RcJcmptio  l 

JESUS,  our  love,  our  Saviour, 
The  joy  of  every  heart, 
Thou  bringest  light  unto  our  night, 
For  light  itself  thou  art. 

What  wealth  of  love  o'ercame  thee 

That  thou  shouldst  will  to  die 
Upon  the  tree  of  Calvary 

To  save  mankind  thereby! 

The  night  of  sin  is  broken, 

The  power  of  hell  o'erthrown, 
The  heavenly  door  made  wide  once  more 

By  thee,  most  Holy  One. 

'Twas  heavenly  love  impelled  thee 

Thus  to  redeem  our  race, 
And  bless  our  sight  with  the  sweet  light 

That  shineth  from  thy  face. 

Thou  to  the  stars  ascended 

Hast  banished  fear,  O  Lord; 
Be  thine  all  praise,  through  endless  days, 

Be  thou  our  sweet  reward. 

1  The  hymn  "Salutis  Humanae  Sator"  in  the  Roman  Breviary  is  an  adap- 
tation of  this. 


36  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

PENTECOST 

Jam  Christus  Astra  Ascenderat 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

NOW  to  the  stars  is  Christ,  the  King, 
Ascended,  whence  he  came,  to  bring 
The  heavenly  Paraclete,  with  gifts 
For  the  disciples'  comforting. 

The  solemn  hours  approach;  we  see 
Accomplished  all  the  mystery; 

The  seven  times  seven  change  of  days 
Brings  round  the  heavenly  jubilee. 

The  day  had  lifted  up  its  light 
Three  hours  above  the  orient  height, 

And  still  the  apostles  prayed;  then  came 
With  roar  of  winds  the  God  of  might. 

In  everlasting  lustre  came 

The  living  and  abounding  flame; 

It  filled  each  breast  with  holy  speech 
And  love  for  the  Redeemer's  name. 

The  hearts  of  the  disciples  glow 
With  inspiration;  lo,  they  know 

And  speak  in  all  the  tongues  of  earth 
The  deeds  that  God  hath  done  below. 


ST.    AMBROSE  37 

They  cry  aloud,  all  void  of  fear; 
Greek,  Roman  and  barbarian  hear; 
The  word  of  God  in  every  tongue 
They  utter,  speaking  loud  and  clear. 

The  faithless  Jews  behold  the  sign 
They  see  the  miracle  divine; 

But  moved  to  wrath  and  fear,  they  cry: 
"Lo,  these  are  overcome  by  wine!" 

Then  Peter,  rising  up  to  meet 

The  slanders,  speaks  with  holy  heat 

And  Joel  as  his  witness  calls, 
To  drive  the  faithless  to  retreat. 

To  God  the  Father  glory  be, 
And  Christ  the  risen  Son,  to  thee, 

Who  with  the  heavenly  Paraclete, 
Reignest  one  God,  eternally. 


O  SPLENDOUR  OF  THE   FATHER'S  FACE 

Splendor  Paternae  Gloriae 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

SPLENDOUR  of  the  Father's  face, 


o 


Bringer  of  glory  from  above, 
True  light,  and  Fount  of  every  grace, 
Illume  our  day  with  faith  and  love. 


38  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Pour  on  our  way,  O  Sun  Divine, 
Thy  holy  truth  with  rays  serene, 

And  let  the  heavenly  spirit  shine 

With  purging  fires  to  make  us  clean. 

The  glory  of  the  Sire  we  seek, 
The  Father  of  enduring  grace; 

Lift  up  our  spirits,  fallen  and  weak, 
And  guide  us  to  thy  dwelling  place. 

Confirm  us  in  thy  love  divine, 

Smooth  for  our  feet  life's  rugged  way; 

Our  wills  make  ever  one  with  thine, 
Lest  evil  lead  our  steps  astray. 

Be  with  us  still  as  guard  and  guide, 

Keep  us  in  holy  chastity, 
Let  our  firm  faith  on  thee  abide, 

From  fraud  and  error  hold  us  free. 

Dear  Christ,  be  still  our  drink  and  food, 
Our  hope,  our  love,  our  lasting  faith; 

And  be  our  souls  each  day  renewed, 
Fired  by  the  Spirit's  quickening  breathe 

Thus  joyful  let  the  day  go  by; 

Our  modesty  like  morn  shall  glow; 
Our  faith  be  like  the  midday  sky, 

Nor  gloom  of  doubt  nor  shadow  know. 


ST.    AMBR<  39 

Lo,  as  the  dawn  brings  forth  the  light, 
The  Virgin  brings  the  birth  divine, 

True  God  the  Son  in  love  and  might, 
True  God  the  Sire,  in  power  benign. 

To  God  the  Father  glory  be, 

The  same  unto  the  sole-born  Son, 
And  Holy  Paraclete  to  thee, 

Now  and  while  endless  a<res  run. 


A  MORNING   HYMN 

Aeterna  Coeh  Gloria 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

HAIL,  heaven's  eternal  glory,  thee  we  sing 
Who  unto  man  the  blessed  hope  didst  bring, 
Sole  offspring  of  the  Virgin,  pure  and  chaste, 
And  of  creation's  dreaded  Lord  and  King. 

Give  us  thy  right  hand,  Lord,  that  we  may  rise, 
Make  clean  our  hearts  and  purify  our  eyes, 

Like  blazing  torches  let  our  songs  of  praise 
And  gratitude  ascend  against  the  skies. 

Now  rises  o'er  the  sea  the  star  of  morn; 
Above  the  wave  the  earliest  rays  are  borne, 

As  messengers  of  the  returning  sun; 
So  let  thy  holy  light  our  souls  adorn. 


40  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

All  lingering  shadows  from  our  minds  expel, 
With  dreams  and  motions  that  in  darkness  dwell, 

Our  bosoms  purge  of  all  that  bringeth  stain, 
And  bathe  our  spirits  in  thy  crystal  well. 

Within   our  souls  let  saving  faith  find  place, 
Let  hope  draw  radiance  from  thy  tender  face, 

And  let  our  hearts  in  brotherhood  expand, 
The  love  of  God  and  neighbour;  grant  this  grace. 

To  thee,  Eternal  Sire,  all  glory  be, 
And  sole  and  co-eternal  Son,  to  thee. 

And  unto  thee,  O  Heavenly  Paraclete, 
Almighty,  everlasting,  one  in  three. 


THE  MORNING'S  GOLDEN  RADIANCE 

Aurora  *Jam   Spargit 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

THE  morning's  golden  radiance 
Now  glows  along  the  sky; 
Pierced  by  the  shafts  of  sunrise, 
All  lingering  shadows  fly. 

So  from  our  souls  all  evils, 

Dear  Lord,  or  vile  or  vain, 
Be  driven  by  thy  radiance, 

And  nought  but  good  remain. 


ST.    AMBROSE  41 

Thus  shall  we  conic  each  morning, 

And  how  before  thee,  Lord; 
Thus  bring  our  hymns  and  praises; 

Be  thou  our  sweet  reward. 

To  God  the  Sire,  all  glory, 

The  same,  O  Son,  to  thee, 
And  thee,  O  Holy  Spirit, 

Eternal  one  in  three. 


EVENING   HYMN 

Te  Lucis  Ante  Tcrminum 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

BEFORE  the  light  has  passed  away, 
Dear  Lord,  we  come  in  prayer  to  thee; 
Oh,  be  our  guide,  our  guard,  our  stay, 
And  soothe  us  with  thy  clemency. 

Protect  us  from  the  powxrs  of  night, 
All  base  desires  and  dreams  restrain. 

Repress  all  evil,  bring  all  light, 
And  keep  us  from  unholy  stain. 

Father  of  mercy,  unto  thee, 

And  to  the  sole-begotten  Son, 
And  Holy  Ghost,  all  glory  be, 

Forever  reigning,  three  in  one. 


42  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

HYMN  FOR  THE  FEAST  OF  A  VIRGIN 

Jesu,  Corona  Virginum 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

O  JESUS,  crown  of  virgin  choirs, 
Whom  the  sole  Virgin  mother  bore, 
Behold  our  needs  and  our  desires; 

To  thee  our  vows  and  prayers  we  pour. 

Among  white  lilies  walkest  thou, 

Surrounded  by  a  virgin  band, 
The  bridegroom's  glory  on  thy  brow, 

The  prizes  in  thy  bounteous  hand. 

Where'er  thou  goest,  lo!  the  throngs 

Of  virgins  follow  in  the  wTay, 
And  sing  to  thee  eternal  songs 

And  sacred  hymns  by  night  and  day. 

We  bow  before  thy  lofty  throne; 

Refine  our  souls  and  purify, 
That  we  may  know  thee,  Holy  One, 

And  swift  from  all  corruption  fly. 

Be  honour,  glory,  power  and  praise 
To  God  the  Father  and  the  Son, 

Like  glory  to  the  Spirit  raise, 
Forever  reigning,  three  in  one. 


-i 


ST.    AMBROSE  44 

A  NIGHT  SONG 

Rcrum  Dcus  Tenax  Vigor 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

GOD  of  creation,  wondrous  Might, 
Eternal  power  that  all  adore, 
Thou  rulest  the  changing  day  and  night. 
Thyself  unchanging  evermore. 

Pour  light  upon  our  fading  day, 

So  in  our  lives  no  dusk  shall  be, 
So  death  shall  bring  us  to  the  ray 

Of  heavenly  glory,  Lord,  with  thee. 

Father  of  Mercy,  unto  thee 

We  lift  our  voice  in  prayer  and  praise, 
And  to  the  Son  and  Spirit  be 

Like  glory  to  the  end  of  days. 


HYMN   BEFORE   DAYLIGHT 

Consors  Patcrni  Luminis 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

O  RADIANCE  of  the  Father, 
Thyself  our  light  and  day, 
We  rise  at  night  to  praise  thee, 
Assist  us,  Christ,  we  pray. 


44  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Drive  from  our  souls  all  darkness, 
All  thoughts  and  dreams  of  ill, 

Be  thou  our  guide  and  master, 
And  be  thy  law  our  will. 

Make  strong  thy  faith  within  us, 
Thou  knowest  how  weak  we  be; 

Lord,  hear  in  loving  kindness 
The  psalms  wTe  sing  to  thee. 

All  glory  to  the  Father 
And  sole-begotten  Son, 

And  to  the  Holy  Spirit, 
While  endless  ages  run. 


HYMN  FOR  EARLY  MORNING 

Summae  Parens  Clementiae 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

PARENT  of  heavenly  clemency, 
And  ruler  of  creation's  frame, 
In  substance  one,  in  persons  three, 
We  praise  and  bless  thy  holy  name. 

O  Lord  of  all  the  rolling  spheres, 

We  send  our  cries  and  prayers  to  thee; 

In  mercy  mark  the  prayers  and  tears, 
And  keep  our  souls  from  evil  free. 


ST.    AMBR081  45 

Our  bodies  and  our  minds  refine 

In  hies  of  love;  dear  Saviour,  be 
Our  strength,  and  give  Us  grace  divine 

To  keep  our  wills  aloft  with  thee. 

So  shall  we  hourly  evermore 

Bring  songs  of  praise  and  hymns  of  love, 
That  when  our  earthly  days  are  o'er 

Thou 'It  bring  us  to  our  home  above. 

Father  most  merciful,  thy  name 

We  glorify;  thou  sole-born  Son, 
And  Heavenly  Spirit,  each  the  same, 

Forever  reigning,  three  in  one. 


A  HYMN  FOR   EVENTIDE 

Dcus  Creator  Omnium 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

OSHAPER  of  tremendous  might, 
\\  hose  will  the  spheres  in  place  doth  keep, 
Robing  the  day  in  radiant  light, 
The  silent  night  in  balmy  sleep. 

Now  all  the  toils  of  day  are  o'er, 
The  weary  limbs  from  labour  free, 

Our  minds,  aroused,  shall  heavenward  soar, 
And  leave  all  anxious  cares  with  thee. 


46  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

The  day  is  done,  and  with  the  night 

Let  thanks  and  prayers  and  hymns  begin; 

We  cry  to  Thee,  O  God  of  Light, 

Keep  thou  our  souls  from  stain  of  sin. 

From  our  deep  hearts  we  sing  to  thee, 
Our  blended  voices  hail  thy  name; 

O  holy  Love,  our  lover  be, 

As  we  adore  thee  and  proclaim. 

When  shadows  round  the  world  shall  flow, 
And  heavy  night  shut  out  the  day, 

Lord,  let  our  faith  no  darkness  know, 
But,  shining,  light  us  on  our  way. 

Let  not  the  mind  in  slothful  ease 
Leave  aught  of  evil  to  remain; 

Let  faith  drive  forth  all  phantasies, 
And  every  dream  impure  and  vain. 

Dispel  all  vices  from  the  mind, 
And  be  the  soul's  one  aim  to  thee, 

That  thus  the  tempter  shall  not  find 
Power  to  awake  impurity. 

Eternal  Father,  sole-born  Son, 
And  Holy  Spirit,  hear  our  prayer, 

Thou  potent  Godhead,  three  in  one, 
Support  and  keep  us  in  thy  care. 


ST.    AMBROSE  47 

A  MORNING   PRAYER 

Rector  PotetlS  Vcrax  Dcus 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

ALMIGHTY  Ruler,  Lord  of  light, 
Thy  hand  controls  the  day  and  night, 
Robing  the  morn  in  rosy  ray, 
And  lifting  high  the  fire  of  day. 

Dear  Lord,  extinguish  from  our  life, 
The  fire  of  sin,  the  flame  of  strife; 
Unto  our  bodies  health  impart, 
And  tender  peace  to  every  heart. 

Father,  we  bow  before  thy  throne, 
Thee  with  the  Christ,  thine  only  Son, 
And  Paraclete,  our  souls  adore, 
With  equal  love  forevermore. 


A  HYMN  TO  THE   HOLY  GHOST 

Nunc  Sancte  Nobis  Spiritus 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

COME,  Holy  Spirit,  Lord  of  light, 
Who  with  the  Sire  and  Saviour  art 
One  God  of  majesty  and  might, 
Thy  brightness  pour  in  every  heart. 


48  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

With  tongue,  and  soul,  and  sense  and  power 
Thy  praise  forevermore  we'll  sing; 

Thy  love  shall  be  our  holy  dower, 
And  man  to  brotherhood  shall  bring. 

Be  with  us  Father  evermore, 

Whom,  with  the  sole-begotten  Son 

And  Heavenly  Spirit,  all  adore, 
One  God,  while  endless  ages  run. 


A  VESPER  SONG 

Jam  Sol  Recedit  Igneus 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

WHILE  sinks  in  golden  fire  the  sun, 
We  seek  thee,  Lord,  ere  fall  of  night; 
O,  tender  Master,  three  in  one, 
Inflame  our  souls  with  holy  light. 

With  morning  song  of  praise  we  came, 
Again  we  come  with  evening  hymn; 

Lord,  let  us  ever  bless  thy  name 
With  cherubim  and  seraphim. 

To  God  the  Father  and  the  Son 
And  Holy  Ghost  be  endless  praise, 

From  earliest  hour,  as  ages  run, 
All  glory  to  the  end  of  days. 


ST.   AMBROSE  49 

O  WORD  OF  MIGHT 
/  erbum  Supernum  Prodtens 

(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

OWORD  of  Might,  that  springing  forth 
From  out  the  Father's  heart,  wast  born 
To  raise  our  fallen  state  on  earth, 
Bring  help,  and  leave  us  not  forlorn. 

Illume  our  breasts  with  heavenly  light, 

And  set  our  souls  aflame  with  love, 
That  we,  forsaking  things  of  night, 

Shall  lift  our  hopes  to  joys  above. 

When  from  the  awful  judgment  throne 

Dread  doom  unto  his  foes  the  Lord 
Shall  send,  and  call  in  tender  tone 

The  just  unto  their  sweet  reward; 

Let  not  our  souls  on  that  dread  day 

Be  rolled  in  seething  pools  of  fire; 
Let  mercy  melt  thine  ire  away, 

And  be  thy  love  our  sole  desire. 

Then  to  the  Father  and  the  Son 

And  Holy  Spirit,  one  in  three, 
From  first  to  last,  as  ages  run, 

Eternal  praise  and  glory  be. 


50  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

HYMN  FOR  THE  FEAST  OF  A  MARTYR 

Rex  Gloria se  Martyrum 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

OHOPE  of  Martyrs,  glorious  King, 
Rich  crown  of  all  who  preach  thy  might, 
Spurning  the  earth,  their  souls  upspring, 
With  thee  for  guide,  to  heavenly  light. 

To  us  thy  tender  mercy  lend, 

And  hear  the  humble  prayers  we  raise; 

In  holy  love  our  voices  blend; 

Make  strong  our  hearts  to  sing  thy  praise. 

By  martyr  blood  thou  quellest  sin; 

Thou  savest  the  world  by  wondrous  love; 
Lord,  let  our  souls  thy  mercy  win, 

To  meet  thy  saints  in  joy  above. 

To  God  the  Sire  all  glory  be, 

To  God  the  sole-begotten  Son, 
And  Holy  Paraclete  to  thee, 

While  everlasting  ages  run. 


ST.    AMBR  51 

HYMN  FOR  THE   FEAST  OF  AN  APOSTLE 
Aeterna  Christ  1  Munera 

(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

ETERNAL  Servants  of  the  Lord, 
With  psalms  and  hymns  and  praises  due, 
To  you,  who  brought  the  holy  word, 
We  come,  and  lift  our  hearts  to  you. 

Princes  to  whom  the  church  was  given, 

Strong  leaders  in  the  war  sublime, 
And  soldiers  in  the  halls  of  heaven, 

Ye  are  the  lamps  that  light  all  time. 

The  faith  that  fires  the  holy  heart, 

The  true  believer's  blessed  hope, 
And  perfect  love,  —  these  powers  impart, — 

The  strength  with  evil  force  to  cope. 

In  these,  O  Father,  is  thy  power, 

In  these  thy  victory,  O  Son, 
In  these  the  Spirit's  will  to  shower 

On  all  the  heavens'  sweet  benison. 

To  God  the  Father  sound  the  praise, 

The  Son  with  equal  love  adore, 
And  God  the  Spirit,  —  let  us  raise 

One  strain  of  blessing  evermore. 


52 


E 


EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

A  HYMN  FOR  SUNDAY 

Aeterne  Rerum  Conditor 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

TERNAL  builder  of  the  skies, 
Dread  ruler  of  the  night  and  day, 
With  glories  thou  hast  blessed  our  eyes, 
To  drive  the  stain  of  pride  away. 

To  those  that  seem  in  gloom  forlorn 
Thou  art  a  light;  our  scattered  fold 

Now  hear  the  herald  of  the  morn, 
The  splendour  of  its  rays  behold. 

The  day  star  rising  from  the  wave 
Scatters  the  mist  from  heaven's  blue, 

And  buried  in  a  sunless  grave 

The  dreams  of  error  sink  from  view. 

The  sailors  stand  upon  the  deck, 

The  sea  grows  mild,  the  waves  subside, 

The  ship  of  evil  lies  awreck,  — 

Calm  stands  thy  rock  above  the  tide. 

And  hark  the  crowing  of  the  cock! 

The  sound  shall  rouse  earth's  erring  sons; 
Arise  and  seek  the  saving  rock, 

Ye  weary,  weak  and  fainting  ones. 


ST.    AMBROSE  53 

Hope  cometh  with  the  morning  song. 

The  sick  shall  rise  from  bed  of  pain, 
Ensheathed  shall  he  the  sword  of  wrong, 
And  faith  shall  find  her  own  again. 

()   Jesus  guard  thy  wandering  sheep 

From  thy  sweet  fold  ne'er  more  to  stray; 

Our  feeble  steps  from  danger  keep, 
And  fear  shall  melt  in  tears  away. 

Shine  on  our  souls,  O  Living  Light; 

From  stain  of  error  keep  us  free; 
Let  songs  of  praise  by  day  and  night, 

And  vows  of  love  arise  to  thee. 

Now  let  us  sing  in  anthems  sweet 

To  God  the  Father  and  the  Son, 
Who  with  the  Holy  Paraclete 

Forever  reigneth,  three  in  one. 


PRUDENTIUS 

Aurelius  Prudentius  Clemens,  "the  glory  of  the 
ancient  Christian  poets/'  as  he  has  been  called,  was 
born  in  Spain  in  348,  at  Calahorra,  in  Old  Castile.  As 
he  resided  for  some  time  at  Saragossa,  in  the  quality 
of  Governor,  it  has  been  mistakenly  believed  by  some 
writers  that  he  was  born  in  that  city. 

He  studied  rhetoric  in  his  youth,  and  became  accom- 
plished and  noted  as  a  pleader.  He  was  made  twice 
governor  of  provinces  and  cities  in  Spain,  and  was 
afterwards,  as  he  says,  raised  by  Theodosius  I.  to  the 
highest  rank  and  dignity  of  the  Court,  by  which  it  is 
generally  understood  that  he  became  prefect  of  the  pre- 
torium. 

In  his  fifty-seventh  year  be  began  to  devote  his  whole 
time  to  the  divine  service,  and  consecrated  his  leisure 
hours  to  the  composition  of  sacred  poems. 

He  has  always  been  esteemed  the  most  learned  of  the 
Christian  poets.  Erasmus  declares  that  for  the  sanc- 
tity and  sacred  erudition  which  are  displayed  in  his 
writings  he  deserves  to  be  ranked  among  the  gravest 
doctors  of  the  church.  Some  ecclesiastical  writers  give 
him  the  title  of  saint,  but  his  name  does  not  occur  in 
the  Martyrologies.     The  year  of  his  death  is  not  known. 


55 


A  HYMN  FOR   EPIPHANY 

0  Sola  Magnarum  Urbium 

(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

A  SACRED  town  is  Bethlehem, 
Its  walls  are  wondrous  fair; 
For  Jesus,  our  salvation,  came 
And  made  his  birthplace  there. 

The  star  that  leads  the  sages  three 

Is  bright  as  early  day, 
And  in  its  light  their  God  they  see 

Enrobed  in  mortal  clay. 

They  bow  to  earth  as  they  behold, 

And  orient  offerings  bring, 
The  myrrh,  the  frankincense,  the  gold, 

As  God,  as  man,  as  king. 

Unto  the  King  the  golden  hoard, 

As  tribute  they  prefer; 
The  incense  to  the  deathless  Lord, 

To  mortal  man  the  myrrh. 

To  thee,  O  Christ,  be  glory  meet; 

Thy  name  all  lands  adore; 
Unto  the  Sire  and  Paraclete 

Like  glory  evermore. 
57 


58  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

HYMN  FOR  THE  HOLY  INNOCENTS 

Audit  Tyrannus  Anxius 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

WITH  dread  the  tyrant  Herod  hears 
The  tidings  of  the  king  to  come; 
The  Prince  of  Israel  he  fears, 

And  trembling  feels  impending  doom. 

He  bids  the  guard,  with  maddened  cry, 
"Go  forth  and  loose  the  avenging  flood; 

The  infant  king  must  surely  die; 

So  be  the  cradles  drenched  in  blood. 

"Let  not  a  nursing  boy  escape, 

Rob  every  bosom  by  the  sword, 
Lest  fraud  or  guile  a  way  shall  shape 

To  save  the  Christ,  the  infant  Lord." 

The  willing  executioner 

Received  the  direful  word,  and  drew 
The  striking  sword,  the  piercing  spear, 

And  all  the  tender  nurslings  slew. 

What  profit,  Herod,  this  to  thee  ? 

What  help  can  such  dread  crime  afford  ? 
Alone  of  all  the  infants,  see, 

Borne  safe  and  harmless  is  the  Lord. 


FRUD1-NTIUS  59 

To  God  the  Sire  be  glory  meet, 

To  Jesus  whom  the  Virgin  bore, 
And  to  the  Heavenly  Paraclete, 

One  God,  one  praise  forevermore. 


HYMN  FOR  THE  HOLY  INNOCENTS 

Salvete,  Flore s  Martyr um 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

HAIL,  tender  wreath  of  flowers,  whose  day 
Of  beauty,  crossed  by  tyrant  spite, 
Was  offered,  as  a  budding  spray 
Of  roses  to  the  Lord  of  light. 

Yours  was  the  foremost  glory  given 
To  martyrdom;  O  shining  throng, 

Ye  play  amid  the  halls  of  heaven 
With  palm  and  crown  in  holy  song. 

Jesus,  to  thee  be  glory  meet, 

W  ho  fill'st  the  nations  with  thy  rays, 

And  to  the  Sire  and  Paraclete 

Be  equal  glory,  power  and  praise. 


60  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

A  MORNING  HYMN 

Ales  Diei  Nuntius 

(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

THE  bird  that  heralds  in  the  day 
Sings  out  his  knell  of  passing  night, 
And  Christ,  whose  love  is  still  our  stay, 
Recalls  our  souls  to  love  and  light. 

He  speaketh,  "  Leave  your  beds  in  haste, 
No  more  in  ease  and  sloth  abide, 

Be  sober,  righteous,  just  and  chaste, 
And  watch,  for  I  am  at  your  side." 

We  call  thee,  Lord,  in  psalm  and  song, 
With  prayers  and  tears  we  come  to  thee; 

Lord,  let  our  hearts  be  pure  and  strong, 
From  sin  and  sorrow  make  us  free. 

Dispel  the  cloud  of  idle  sleep, 

And  break  the  bands  that  hold  the  night, 
Our  souls  from  stain  of  evil  keep, 

And  grant  us,  Lord,  thy  holy  light. 

To  God  the  Father  glory  be, 

The  same  to  Christ,  the  sole-born  Son, 

And  Holy  Ghost  eternally, 

One  God,  one  praise  as  ages  run. 


PRUDENTIUS  6l 

THE  GLORY  OF  CHRIST 

Quicumque  Christum  Quaeritis 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

OTHOU  who  seek'st  the  Christ  to  find, 
Uplift  thine  eyes  on  high; 
For  lo!  to  every  humble  mind 
His  glory  fills  the  sky. 

His  mighty  wonders  there  behold, 

In  boundless  fields  of  light, 
Sublime,  eternal,  and  as  old 

As  heaven  and  ancient  night. 

Here  is  the  nation's  King  indeed, 

Here  Israel's  mighty  Lord, 
To  Abraham  promised  and  his  seed, 

Forevermore  adored. 

To  him  each  prophet  witnesseth, 

By  word  and  sign  sincere; 
Acknowledged  by  the  Sire,  who  saith, 

"Behold,  believe  and  hear!" 

To  Jesus,  who  his  light  displays 

To  babes,  all  glory  be, 
To  Sire  and  Spirit  equal  praise 

For  all  eternity. 


62  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

MORNING  HYMN 

Nox  et  Tenebrae  et  Nubilae 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

THE  clouds,  the  shadows,  and  the  night 
Long  held  in  gloom  both  earth  and  sky, 
Light  enters,  and  the  heavens  grow  bright, 
Christ  comes,  and  lo,  the  shadows  fly. 

The  blinding  fog  is  pierced  amain, 

By  shining  arrows  of  the  sun, 
Earth's  golden  rays  return  again, 

The  glory  of  the  morn  is  won. 

The  light  is  thine,  O  Christ!  we  see 

Thy  glory  in  the  open  day; 
With  tears  and  songs  we  come  to  thee; 

Lift  up  and  guide  our  souls,  we  pray. 

Cleanse  us  from  stain  of  sinful  pride, 
And  warm  us  in  thy  living  light; 

Thou  art  our  heavenly  lamp,  our  guide; 
Shine  in  thy  sweetness,  clear  and  bright. 

To  God  the  Father,  glory  be, 

And  equal  glory  to  the  Son, 
The  same,  O  Paraclete,  to  thee, 

Forever  reigning,  three  in  one. 


PRUDENTIUS  63 

BEHOLD  THE  GOLDEN  LIGHT 

Lux  Ecce  Surzit  A  urea 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

BEHOLD,  the  golden  light  appears, 
The  blinding  shadows  pass  away, 
That  filled  our  souls  with  shuddering  fears, 
And  led  our  feeble  feet  astray. 

Fair  weather  cometh  with  the  morn; 

Its  radiance  purifies  the  soul; 
It  drives  away  deceit  and  scorn, 

And  clears  the  heart  of  gloom  and  dole. 

Lord,  in  thy  day  no  sin  shall  be, 

Each  tongue  be  true  and  just  each  hand, 

Our  eyes  no  evil  thing  shall  see, 

Nor  deed  of  guile  on  earth  be  planned. 

Thy  gaze,  O  Lord,  is  on  our  way, 
Thou  walk'st  a  guardian  by  our  side, 

Thou  see'st  our  every  act  each  day 
From  earliest  dawn  to  eventide. 

To  God  the  Father  glory  be, 

With  equal  love  the  Son  adore, 
And,  Holy  Paraclete,  to  thee 

Be  praise  and  power  forevermore. 


SEDULIUS 

A  native  of  Ireland,  born  about  the  year  400,  Sedu- 
lius  was  an  eminent  poet,  orator  and  divine.  For  love 
of  learning  he  left  his  native  country  and  travelled  into 
France,  Italy  and  Asia.  He  settled  at  length  in  Rome, 
where  he  came  to  be  held  in  high  esteem  for  his  great 
accomplishments. 

He  is  said  by  some  to  have  become  a  bishop  under 
Theodosius  the  Great. 

The  two  following  hymns  are  taken  from  an  abecedary 
on  the  life  of  Christ,  and  are  used  in  the  Roman  Brev- 
iary for  Christmas  Day  and  the  Epiphany. 

Facts  are  wanting  as  to  the  dates  of  his  birth  and 
death. 


65 


A  CHRISTMAS   HYMN 

A  Salts    Ortus  Card  in  c 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

FROM  where  the  sun  awakes  the  morn 
Unto  his  utmost  westering, 
We  sing  the  Christ,  the  Virgin-born, 

The  Prince  of  heaven  and  earth  we  sing. 

Behold,  the  God  of  ages  comes 
And  taketh  flesh  of  humble  clay; 

Man's  Maker  man's  poor  form  assumes 
To  wash  the  stains  of  flesh  away. 

A  virgin's  womb  becomes  the  shrine 

That  holds  the  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth, 

Through  stainless  maid,  by  grace  divine, 
The  God-child  hath  his  wondrous  birth. 

Her  modest  breast  is  made  his  home, 

The  temple  of  her  God  is  she; 
Enshrined  in  Mary's  spotless  womb, 

He  comes  the  world  from  doom  to  free. 

He  comes  upon  this  happy  morn, 
Announced  by  angel's  heralding, 

Known  by  the  Baptist,  yet  unborn, 
Adoring  in  the  womb  his  King. 
(>7 


68  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

On  lowly  bed  of  hay  he  lies, 
His  palace  but  a  stable  poor; 

The  God  that  rules  the  earth  and  skies 
Doth  all  our  wants  and  woes  endure. 

The  angel  choirs  rejoice  on  high, 

Through  radiant  skies  their  voices  ring, 

The  shepherds  see  the  blazing  sky, 
And  bow  before  the  Infant  King. 

All  praise  and  power  and  glory  be 
To  Jesus  whom  the  Virgin  bore; 

Father,  be  equal  meed  to  thee 
And  to  the  Spirit  evermore. 


HYMN  FOR   EPIPHANY 

Crudelis  H erodes  Deum 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

WHY  fear  the  coming  of  the  king, 
O  cruel  Herod  ?     Christ,  the  Son 
Asks  nought  of  earth,  but  comes  to  bring 
To  all  who  seek,  a  heavenly  throne. 

The  Magi  follow  through  the  night 
The  mystic  star  that  goes  before; 

By  light,  they  seek  the  Lord  of  Light, 
The  King  and  God  whom  they  adore. 


DULIU8  6q 

Oh,  {Mirer  than  the  morning  raw 
Celestial  Lamb,  thou  comest  to  bear 

Our  sins,  and  wash  our  guilt  away, 

That  we  with  thee,  God's  love  may  share. 

O  Fount  of  Love!  O  power  divine! 

We  how  before  thy  holy  might; 
Thy  word  makes  water  pour  as  wine; 

Thy  love  brings  day  unto  our  night. 

Jesus  to  thee  be  glory  meet, 

Who  shinest  o'er  earth  in  light  and  love, 
So  to  the  Sire  and  Paraclete 

Let  earth  resound  and  heaven  above. 


ELPIS 

\\  it  :  of  the  illustrious  Roman  writer  and  statesman, 
Boetius,  Elpis  was  born,  perhaps  not  later  than  475,  of 
a  noble  Sicilian  family.  In  500,  when  King  Theodoric 
came  to  Rome  he  made  Boetius  master  of  the  palace. 
He  was  chosen  consul  three  times,  and  his  two  sons,  by 
Elpis,  were  made  consuls  in  their  nonage,  in  523. 

Her  husband  was  cruelly  put  to  death  by  the  bar- 
barian king  in  525,  and  his  estates  confiscated;  but 
these  were  restored  to  Elpis,  who  survived  Boetius,  by 
the  king's  daughter  Amalasunta,  on  the  death  of  Theo- 
doric, which  took  place  soon  after  the  martyrdom  of 
Boetius.  It  is  not  known  when  the  death  of  Elpis 
occurred. 

Elpis  was  noted  as  a  lady  of  great  learning,  wit  and 
beauty. 

The  following  hymn  is  divided,  and  adapted  for  three 
several  hymns  in  the  Roman  Breviary,  one  for  January 
25,  the  feast  of  the  conversion  of  St.  Paul,  the  other 
two  for  June  29,  the  feast  of  the  Apostles  Peter  and 
Paul. 


7i 


TO  STS.  PETER  AND  PAUL,  APOSTLES 

Decora  Lux  Attcrnitatis 

ETERNAL  glory,  with  the  streaming  ray 
Of  holy  fire,  has  filled  the  golden  day, 
Crowning  with  light  the  apostolic  chiefs, 
And  opening  through  the  stars  their  luminous  way. 

The  guide  of  earth,  the  guard  of  heaven's  gate, 
Fathers  of  Rome  and  lords  of  every  state, 

Death  was  their  triumph  by  the  sword  and  cross, 
The  martyr's  laurel  is  their  crown  elate. 

Kind  Shepherd,  Peter,  unto  thee  was  given 
The  keys  to  close  and  ope  the  gates  of  heaven; 

Strike  from  our  souls  the  galling  chain  of  crime, 
And  gain  the  grace  for  which  our  hearts  have  striven 

O  learned  Paul,  inspire  us  from  above 
AYith  all  the  graces  of  the  Heavenly  Dove; 

Bring  us  the  faith  to  see  the  truth  of  God, 
And  brighten  earth  with  the  sweet  reign  of  love. 

O  happy  Rome,  that  by  their  martyr  blood 
Art  glorified  and  consecrate;  the  flood 

Thy  gates  emblazon;  through  the  flying  years 
Fairest  of  earthly  cities  hast  thou  stood. 

73 


74  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Unto  the  everlasting  Trinity 

All  power  and  praise  and  jubilation  be; 

One  God  eternal  ruling  heaven  and  earth; 
Thy  name  is  holy;  Lord  we  worship  thee. 


FORTUNATUS 

Venantius  Honorius  Clementianus  Fortunatus, 
the  chief  Latin  poet  of  his  time,  was  born  in  Italy,  not 
far  from  Treviso,  in  the  year  530. 

He  studied  at  Ravenna,  and  became  an  able  gram- 
marian and  rhetorician.  He  was  the  author  of  a  num- 
ber of  books  both  in  prose  and  verse.  He  wrote  the 
life  of  St.  Martin  of  Tours  in  verse,  and  compiled  biog- 
raphies, in  prose,  of  a  number  of  saints;  but,  says  Alban 
Butler,  these  lives  "are  barren  of  facts  and  filled  with 
relations  of  miracles. "  His  prose  is  stiff  and  mechan- 
ical, while  most  of  his  poetry  is  harmonious,  animated, 
and  possesses  an  easy  rhythmical  flow. 

He  fled  from  the  swords  of  the  barbarians  at  Ra- 
venna, and  settled  at  Tours  in  565.  He  was  afterwards 
invited  to  Poitiers  by  St.  Radegund,  the  cloistered 
queen  of  France,  where  he  became  her  private  secre- 
tary, was  ordained  priest,  and  on  the  death  of  Plato, 
bishop  of  Poitiers,  in  595,  he  was  chosen  to  fill  that 
See  some  years  after  the  death  of  Radegund. 

His  life  of  St.  Radegund,  different  from  his  other 
prose  works,  is  a  useful  narrative  of  the  actions  and 
virtues  of  that  holy  woman. 

In  566,  the  Emperor  Justin,  sent  on  the  queen's  re- 
quest a  fragment  of  the  true  Cross  from  Constantinople, 
adorned  with  gold  and  precious  stones,  to  be  deposited 


76  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

in  the  Sanctuary  of  the  Holy  Cross,  which  she  had 
erected  at  Poitiers. 

It  was  on  that  occasion  that  the  hymns,  Vexilla  Regis, 
and  Pange  Lingua  were  composed  by  Fortunatus,  and 
these  were  sung  for  the  first  time  on  the  arrival  of  the 
relic.  Since  that  time  they  have  been  used  in  the  whole 
church.  The  Pange  Lingua  is  spoken  of  by  Daniel 
as  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  the  Latin  hymns,  and 
Randolph  places  the  Vexilla  Regis  among  the  seven 
great  hymns  of  the  Mediaeval  Church.  The  hymn,  Ave 
Maris  Stella,  assigned  by  Wackernagel  and  others  to 
Fortunatus,  is  perhaps  the  most  popular  of  all  the 
hymns  to  the  Blessed  Virgin. 

Fortunatus  died,  probably,  December  4,  609,  and  his 
name  is  honoured  at  Poitiers  among  the  saints  on  that 
day. 


OX  THE   HOLY   CROSS 
Crux  Benedict  a  Mitet 

BRIGHT   is  the  benedight   cross,   where   the    Lord, 
in  his  agony  hanging, 
Washes  our  wounds  in  his  blood,  bathing  and  healing 
our  souls. 

Urged  by  his  tender  love,  he  has  offered  himself  as  a 
victim. 
Yielded  his  life  as  a  lamb,  saving  the  flock  from  the 
wolf. 

There  by  his   bleeding  palms  he   has  saved  the  nations 
from  ruin; 
And  by  his  sacred  death  closed  the  gate  of  the  grave. 

Pierced   by  the   merciless  nails,   here   see  we  the   hand 
that  will  later 
Rescue  Paul  from  his  crime,  rescue  Peter  from  death. 

Wonderful    tree!  what   wealth    of  fertility   goes   to   thy 
springing. 
That  on  thy  branches  thou  bear'st  fruit  of  such  mar- 
vellous kind. 

Marvellous   fruit!   by  whose    quickening    odor  the   dead 
from  their  graves  rise, 
And  unto  life  return  thev  that  were  worn  with  the  da  v. 

77 


78  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Under  thy  sheltering  leaves  we  feel  not  the  heat  of  the 
summer, 
Neither  at  noon  shall  the  sun  burn,  nor  the  moon  in 
the  night. 

Fair  as  a  tree  that  is  set  by  the   running  waters  thou 
standest 
Spreading  thy  branches  wide,  robed  in  the  glory  of 
flowers. 

Hangs  from  thine  arms  that  Vine  which  is  weighed  as 
the  price  of  salvation, 
Rosy  the  wine  that  flows,  sweet  is  the  cup  to  our 
souls. 


VESPER  HYMN  TO  THE  VIRGIN 

Ave  Maris  Stella 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

HAIL,  O  star  of  ocean, 
Hail,  our  golden  door, 
Mother  of  the  Mighty, 
Virgin  Evermore. 

By  the  angel's  "Ave!" 

Thou  didst  fain  receive, 
Change  our  grief  to  glory, 

Be  our  better  Eve. 


FORTUNATUS  79 


Break  the  bonds  of  sorrow. 

Bring  our  souls  thy  light; 

By  thy  tender  radiance 

Guide  us  through  the  night. 

Be  indeed  our  mother. 
Help  us  in  our  need; 

Lift  thy  voice  to  Jesus, 
He  will  hear  and  heed. 

Virgin  of  all  virgins, 

Thee  our  queen  we  seek; 

Fire  with  love  our  bosoms, 
Make  us  chaste  and  meek. 

Raise  our  hearts  in  rapture, 
Lead  us  on  the  way, 

To  thy  Son,  Lord  Jesus, 
In  eternal  day. 

Praise  to  God  the  Father 

And  the  Saviour  be, 
With  the  Holy  Spirit, 

Reigning  one  in  three. 


80  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

A  HYMN  FOR  MATINS 

Quern  Terra,  Pontus,  Sidera 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

THE  God  whom  earth  and  skies  proclaim, 
And  all  the  hosts  of  heaven  adore, 
The  ruler  of  the  three-fold  frame, 
The  humble  womb  of  Mary  bore. 

That  selfsame  power  that  heaven  and  earth 
Have  served  since  dawn  of  time  began, 

From  mortal  womb  hath  wondrous  birth, 
To  bear  away  the  sins  of  man. 

O  Mother  bright!  thy  blessed  soul 
He  shaped  all  pure  and  undefiled; 

He  holds  the  world  in  his  control, 
Yet  in  thy  arms  he  lies,  a  child. 

Bride  of  the  Spirit!  Blessed  One! 

Thy  name  shall  sound  in  psalm  and  song; 
Emmanuel  comes,  the  Virgin's  Son, 

For  whom  the  world  has  waited  long. 

All  praise  and  power  and  glory  meet 
To  Christ  whom  spotless  Virgin  bore, 

And  to  the  Sire  and  Paraclete 
Be  equal  meed  forevermore. 


FORTUNATU8  8 1 

A  HYMN  TO  THE  VIRGIN 

0  Gloriosa  I  irgtnum 

(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

O  GLORY  of  Virginity, 
Fairest  of  stars  upon  the  skies, 
The  Master  who  created  thee 
An  infant  on  thy  bosom  lies. 

The  blessings  lost  by  Eva's  crime 

Thy  marvellous  motherhood  restored, 

And  oped  for  man  the  gate  sublime 

Where  shines  the  brightness  of  the  Lord. 

Through  thee  the  halls  of  heaven  we  gain, 

Thou  regent  of  the  golden  door; 
We  hail  thee  Virgin,  void  of  stain, 

And  sound  thy  praise  forevermore. 

Jesus  to  thee  be  glory  meet, 

The  Virgin-born,  our  God  and  King; 

So  to  the  Sire  and  Paraclete 
Let  everlasting  praises  ring. 


82  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

THE  HOLY  CROSS 

Vexilla  Regis 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

BEHOLD  the  standard  of  the  King! 
The  wondrous  cross  is  borne  on  high 
Whereon  the  Saviour  willed  to  die, 
That  out  of  death  new  life  should  spring. 

O,  wounded  by  the  spear,  a  flood 
Flows  from  his  side  in  love  sublime, 
To  wash  our  souls  from  stain  and  crime 

He  sheds  the  water  and  the  blood. 

Fulfilled  is  all  the  prophecy 

Which  David  in  his  holy    strain, 
Sang  to  the  nations;  God  doth  reign; 

Lo,  he  hath  conquered  by  the  tree. 

O  beauteous  tree!  O  wondrous  wood! 
Dight  with  the  purple  of  our  king, 
Deemed  worthy  all  our  hope  to  bring, 

And  touch  the  sacred  limbs  of  God. 

O  blessed  balance,  where  was  weighed 
The  price  of  ages;  here  was  brought 
The  sacred  body  that  hath  bought 

Our  life  and  our  salvation  paid. 


F0RTUNA1  US  83 

Hail  cross,  our  only  hope!  in  this 
The  paschal-tide  give  added  grace; 
Let  tears  of  penance  bathe  each  face; 

O  cleanse  our  hearts  and  bring  us  bliss. 

Salvation's  fountain,  three  in  one, 

Let  every  spirit  praise  thy  name; 

Grant  that  we  may  the  victory  claim, 
And  evermore  thy  will  be  done. 


F 


THE  CRUCIFIXION 

Pange  Lingua 

RAME,  my  tongue,  a  song  of  wonder, 
Let  the  noble  numbers  ring; 
Sing  the  glorious  triumph  crowning 
Our  Redeemer,  Christ  the  King; 
Sing  the  sacred  immolation 

That  from  death  revoked  the  sting. 

By  the  tree  the  crime  of  Adam 

Plunged  the  earth  in  blighting  sin; 

From  the  tree  man's  woe  was  measured, 
All  the  evil  lay  therein; 

On  the  tree,  by  God's  appointment, 
Christ  must  die  the  world  to  win. 

Thus  the  work  of  our  salvation 
Was  by  law  divine  ordained, 
Thus  by  good  to  ill  opposing, 


84  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Was  the  tempter's  power  restrained; 
Whence  the  evil,  thence  the  healing, 
Whence  came  death  true  life  is  gained. 

In  his  holy  hour  the  Saviour 

From  the  halls  of  heaven  is  come, 

Takes  the  flesh  of  human  nature; 
So  to  save  the  flesh  from  doom; 

Born  as  man,  the  world's  Creator 
Issues  from  a  virgin's  womb. 

In  a  stable  poor  and  lowly, 

He,  a  tender  child  is  born, 
W'ith  a  manger  for  a  cradle, 

Our  Redeemer  lies  forlorn; 
Swathing  him  in  bands,  the  mother 

Shields  the  Babe  from  shame  and  scorn. 

Thirty  years  are  soon  completed, 

And  the  dav  of  woe  is  nigh; 
Comes  the  hour  of  man's  redemption, 

When  the  Christ  is  doomed  to  die; 
On  the  cross,  a  lamb,  uplifted, 

Lo!  the  Lord  of  earth  and  sky! 

With  a  crown  of  thorns  they  crown  him, 
And  they  nail  him  to  the  wood, 

With  a  lance  they  pierce  his  body 
Whence  the  water  and  the  blood 

Flow,  till  ocean,  earth  and  heaven 
Bathe  in  the  redeeming  flood. 


FOR  I  in  \  I  i  85 

Faithful  cross,  a  tree  bo  noble 
Never  grew  in  grove  or  wood; 

Never  leaf  or  blossom  flourished 
Fair  as  on  thy  branches  glowed; 

Sweet  the  wood  and  sweet  the  iron 
Bearing  up  so  dear  a  load. 

Ah!  relax  thy  native  rigour, 

Bend  thy  branches,  lofty  tree! 
Melt,  O  wood,  in  tender  mercy! 

Christ,  the  King  of  Glory,  see! 
Veiled  in  human  sin  and  sorrow, 

Slain,  from  sin  the  world  to  free. 

Thou  alone  art  found  all  worthy 

Earth's  dread  sacrifice  to  bear; 
Thus  to  save  the  world  from  ruin, 

And  the  way  to  heaven  prepare; 
By  his  sacred  blood  anointed, 

Thou,  O  Tree,  art  wondrous  fair. 

Everlasting  praise  and  glory 

To  the  blessed  trinity; 
Glory  to  the  heavenly  Father, 

To  the  Son  like  glory  be; 
Glory  to  the  Holy  Spirit, 

God  eternal,  one  in  three. 


ST.   GREGORY  THE  GREAT 

St.  Gregory,  a  monk  of  the  Benedictine  order,  and 
surnamed  the  Great,  on  account  of  his  illustrious  actions 
and  extraordinary  virtues,  was  born  at  Rome  about 
540,  and  died  in  the  same  city  on  December  12,  604. 

On  the  death  of  Pope  Pelagius  II.  in  January,  590, 
Gregory  was  unanimously  chosen  to  fill  the  papacy,  al- 
though much  against  his  wishes.  It  is  said  that  he 
opposed  his  own  election  with  all  his  power.  He  was 
the  first  monk  to  ascend  the  Apostolical  See. 

His  humility  through  life  was  only  equalled  by  his 
wonderful  ability.  He  impressed  the  seal  of  humility 
upon  the  papacy  itself  by  adopting  as  his  title  "The 
servant  of  the  servants  of  God." 

Some  time  before  his  elevation,  he  had  observed  some 
Saxon  youths  exposed  for  sale  as  slaves  in  the  market 
place.  Struck  with  their  beauty,  he  asked  to  what 
country  they  belonged;  and  being  told  they  were 
"Angles,"  he  replied  that  they  might  better  be  called 
angels.  Then  with  a  sigh  he  said  it  was  a  pity  that  the 
prince  of  darkness  should  enjoy  so  fair  a  prey;  and 
that  men  with  so  fine  an  outside  should  have  none  of 
God's  grace  for  their  internal  adornment. 

He  resolved  at  once  to  undertake  the  mission  to  Brit- 
ain and,  having  obtained  permission  from  Pope  Pelagius, 
he  was  already  on  his  way,  when  the  people  of  Rome, 

87 


EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 


among  whom  the  popularity  of  Gregory  was  very  great, 
raised  so  much  opposition  to  his  departure,  that  the 
Pope  felt  obliged  to  recall  him.  It  was  not  as  a  mission- 
ary but  as  a  Pope  that  he  was  to  win  England  to  the 
church.  He  afterwards  sent  St.  Augustine  on  the  mis- 
sion, who  in  597  arrived  in  Kent  with  forty  monks  to 
preach  the  gospel  to  the  English. 

Gregory  rendered  noble  services  to  the  Liturgy. 
He  put  in  order  the  work  of  his  predecessors  and  gave 
its  definitive  form  to  the  holy  sacrifice  of  the  Mass. 

The  Gregorian  Chant  is  a  monument  to  his  skill  as 
a  sacred  musician.  "He  had  the  glory,"  says  Mon- 
talembert,  "of  giving  to  ecclesiastical  music  that  sweet 
and  solemn,  and,  at  the  same  time,  popular  and  durable 
character,  which  has  descended  through  ages,  and  to 
which  we  must  always  return  after  the  most  prolonged 
aberrations  of  frivolity  and  innovation." 

He  established  at  Rome  a  school  of  music  to  which 
all  Christian  nations  sent  representatives. 

According  to  mediaeval  legend,  it  was  while  consider- 
ing the  fascination  exercised  by  profane  music,  that 
Gregory  was  led  to  inquire  whether  he  could  not,  like 
David,  consecrate  music  to  the  service  of  God.  One 
night  he  had  a  vision  in  which  the  church  appeared  to 
him  in  the  form  of  a  muse,  writing  her  songs  and  gather- 
ing her  children  under  the  folds  of  her  mantle.  Upon 
this  mantle  was  written  the  whole  art  of  music,  with 
all  the  forms  of  its  tones,  notes,  neumes,  and  various 
measures  and  symphonies.  He  prayed  to  God  to  give 
him  the  power  of  recollecting  all  he  saw.     After  he  awoke 


-l .    GR1  GORY   THE    GR1  AT  89 

a  dove  appeared  and  dictated  to  him  the  musical  com- 
positions with  which  he  has  enriched  the  church. 

He  served  in  his  own  school  as  a  teacher  of  music 
and  singing. 

Gregory  has  been  falsely  accused  of  possessing  a 
contempt  for  literature  and  science,  and  of  having  de- 
stroyed certain  ancient  monuments  and  writings.  These 
imputations  date  no  further  back  than  the  twelfth  cen- 
tury. The  writers  of  his  own  time  show  him  as  a  highly 
educated  and  wise  man,  surrounded  by  the  most  learned 
priests  and  monks  of  his  day,  and  as  John  the  deacon, 
his  biographer,  says,  "he  made  the  seven  liberal  arts 
noble  pillars  of  the  portico  of  the  Apostolical  Chair. " 

St.  Gregory  the  Great  ranks  next  to  St.  Ambrose  in 
the  number  of  hymns  contributed  to  the  church  services. 

I  have  placed  the  Works  of  Davs  among  his  poems 
for,  although  it  is  customary  to  count  them  as  Ambro- 
siana,  the  better  opinion  is  that  most  if  not  all  were 
written  by  Gregory. 


THE   WORKS  OF  THE   DAYS 

Lucis  Creator  Optime 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 
First  day.     Genesis  i:   1-5 

DIVINE  creator  of  the  light, 
Who,  bringing  forth  the  golden  ray, 
Didst  join  the  morning  with  the  night 
And  call  the  blessed  union  day; 

We  bow  to  thee,  whose  mighty  word 
Made  time  begin  and  heaven  move; 

Hear  thou  our  tearful  prayer,  O  Lord, 
And  warm  us  with  the  light  of  love. 

Lord,  let  no  crime  our  souls  oppress, 
Or  keep  us  from  thy  law  divine; 

Oh  guard  us  by  thy  saving  grace 

And  make  our  wills  accord  with  thine. 

Still  may  we  seek  thy  heavenly  seat, 

And  strive  eternal  life  to  gain; 
Oh,  keep  us  in  thy  mercy  sweet, 

And  cleanse  our  souls  from  earthly  stain. 


91 


92  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 


A 


Immense  Coeli  Conditor 
Second  day.     Genesis  i:  6-8 

LMIGHTY  Maker  of  the  skies, 


Thy  power  the  mingled  waters  clave, 
And  bade  the  clouds  on  high  to  rise 
And  fixed  with  bounds  the  ocean  wave. 

So  shall  the  moistening  rain  and  dew 
Temper  the  flaming  heats  of  noon; 

So  shall  the  year  its  wealth  renew 
Of  vernal  glow  and  harvest  boon. 

Grant  to  our  souls,  O  Lord  of  Love, 
The  gift  of  thy  perennial  grace, 

Lest  evil  should  our  senses  move 
And  bring  again  the  old  disgrace. 

Let  faith  increase  the  fire  of  love, 
And  bring  the  glory  of  thy  light, 

Let  all  our  dreams  come  from  above, 
And  banish  every  deed  of  night. 

Telluris  Alme  Conditor 
Third  Day.     Genesis  i:  9-13 

KIND  Builder  of  the  earth,  thy  hand 
Confined  the  currents  of  the  sea, 
And  fixed  with  bounds  the  stable  land 
Above  the  raging  waters  free. 


ST.    GREGORY   THE    GREA1  93 

Then  earth  brought  forth  the  tender  green, 
The  wealth  and  glow  of  fruit  and  flower; 

(  )Yr  all  the  world  thy  love  was  seen, 
O'er  all  the  world  was  felt  thy  power. 

So  clothe,  O  Lord,  my  barren  soul 
In  brightening  beauty  of  thy  grace, 

Her  every  hope  and  deed  control, 

And  let  no  grovelling  thought  have  place. 

Thy  will  be  hers  forever,  Lord, 

And  far  from  evil's  poisonous  breath 

Let  her  rejoice  in  thy  sweet  word, 
Nor  ever  knowr  the  stroke  of  death. 


M 


Coch  Dcus  Sanctissime 
Fourth  day.     Genesis  1:  14-19 

OST  Holy  God,  who  dost  adorn 


With  shining  spheres  the  browT  of  night, 
And  bringest  to  the  rosy  morn 
The  tender  glow  of  growing  light. 

Thy  fourth  day's  labour  fired  the  sun, 
And  sent  the  moon  upon  her  way, 

And  gave  each  orb  its  course  to  run, 
As  guiding  signs  by  night  and  daw 

The  moon  and  stars  to  rule  the  night, 
The  sun  to  bring  his  warming  glow, 


94  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Thus  ever  changing,  dark  or  bright, 

The  days  and  months  and  seasons  flow. 

Lord,  fire  our  breasts  with  holy  light, 
That  we  may  know  thy  law  sublime; 

Drive  from  our  heart  all  deeds  of  night, 
And  cleanse  the  soul  of  guilt  and  crime. 


Magnae  Deus  Potentiae 
Fifth  day.     Genesis  i:  20-23 

ALMIGHTY  God,  thy  mercy  gave 
The  teeming  life  of  sea  and  sky, 
The  fish  to  welter  in  the  wave, 

The  bird  to  sing  and  soar  on  high. 

So  for  the  flowing  waters  formed, 
The  finny  tribe  shall  multiply; 

So  in  the  pleasant  sunshine  warmed, 
The  feathered  race  shall  throng  the  sky. 

Grant  unto  us,  thy  servants,  Lord, 
Imbathed  in  thy  all-cleansing  blood, 

To  cling  unto  thy  saving  word, 

That  sin  and  death  may  be  withstood. 

Lord,  let  no  weltering  thoughts  oppress, 
Nor  soaring  pride  the  bosom  swell, 

To  wreck  the  soul  with  wretchedness, 
Or  lead  her  unto  deeds  of  hell. 


ST.    GREGORY   THE    GR1   M  95 

Hominis  Supcrnc  Conditor 
Sixth  day.     Generis  1:  24-^1 

MAKER  of  man,  thou  God  of  Might, 
Thy  will  commanded  earth  to  bring 
Out  of  its  womb,  to  life  and  light, 
The  cattle  and  the  creeping  thing. 

The  wonders  of  thy  mighty  plan, 

The  wealth  and  power  of  land  and  sea, 

Are  subject,  by  thy  word,  to  man, 
His  will  controls  the  world  for  thee. 

Then  Lord,  subdue  all  false  desire, 

From  every  evil  keep  us  free, 
Inflame  our  souls  with  holy  fire, 

And  lift  our  aims  to  heaven  and  thee. 

O,  be  thyself  our  sweet  reward, 

Light  up  our  hearts  with  saving  grace, 

Bring  all  mankind  to  sweet  accord, 
And  fit  us  for  thy  dwelling  place. 

Doxology 

Most  gracious  Father,  hear  our  cry, 

Hear  thou,  O  Sole  and  equal  Son, 
And  holy  Paraclete,  on  high, 

Forever  reigning,  three  in  one. 


96  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 


A  MORNING  HYMN 

O  Sol  Salutis  Intimis 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

SUN  of  our  salvation,  rise, 


o 


Illume  our  souls  with  light  divine; 
Drive  night  and  darkness  from  the  skies, 
And  let  thy  day  of  mercy  shine. 

Grant  that  we  may  with  streaming  tears 
Wash  from  the  heart  all  stain  of  sin, 

And  freed  from  worldly  joys  and  fears, 
Kindle  the  fire  of  love  therein. 

Seal  up  the  fount  of  sin,  and  bring 
The  sigh  of  sorrow  and  the  smart; 

So  shall  the  rod  of  penance  wring 

With  softening  grief  the  hardened  heart. 

Thy  day  of  glory  comes;  the  glow 
Shall  every  hollow  fill  and  height; 

And  we  rejoicing,  Lord,  shall  go 
In  safety,  guided  by  thy  light. 

Benignant  Trinity,  to  thee 

The  world  shall  bow;  the  weak  and  strong 
Shall  call  upon  thy  name;  and  we, 

Renewed  in  grace,  lift  up  the  song. 


ST.   GREGORY  THE    GR1  \  I  97 

A  LENTEN   IIV.MN 

Audi,  Bentgne  Corah  tor 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

BENIGN  Creator  of  the  spheres! 
Hear  thou  the  prayers,  behold  the  tears, 
That  in  this  holy  season  we 
With  Lenten  fastings,  pour  to  thee. 

Searcher  of  hearts,  we  seek  thy  throne, 
Man's  feeble  will  to  thee  is  known. 
We  bow  in  grief  and  pardon  crave, 
From  error,  Lord,  thy  suppliants  save. 

Much  have  we  sinned  in  deed  and  word, 
We  bare  our  hearts  before  thee,  Lord; 
Thy  tender  clemency  we  seek, 
Oh  heal  our  wounded  souls  and  weak. 

Grant  that  we  may  the  bodv  cleanse 
Of  sinful  stain  through  abstinence, 
May  lift  our  fasting  hearts  to  thee, 
From  all  defiling  evils  free. 

O  tender  Godhead,  three  in  one! 
Be  ours  the  will  all  crime  to  shun. 
To  know  and  keep  thy  laws  divine, 
And  be  the  fruits  of  fasting  thine. 


98  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

HYMN  TO  THE  SAVIOUR 

Salvator  Mundi  Domine 

DEAR  Jesus,  Saviour  of  the  world, 
Our  Saviour  be  to-day; 
Protect  our  hearts  in  darkness  hurled, 
And  guide  us  in  thy  way. 

Haste,  tender  Christ,  our  souls  to  bless; 

We  bow  before  thy  might; 
Blot  from  our  lives  all  sinfulness; 

Be  thou  our  beacon  light. 

With  thee  for  guide  wre  fear  no  foe, 
No  phantoms  shall  oppress; 

Our  souls  no  sinful  stain  shall  know, 
But  feel  thy  blessedness. 

We  pray  thee,  Lord,  our  souls  to  raise, 

Our  bosoms  purify, 
That  we  may  rise  and  sing  thy  praise 

In  holy  chastity. 

All  glory  to  the  Father  be, 

All  glory  to  the  Son, 
And  Holy  Ghost,  the  same  to  thee 

While  endless  ages  run. 


ST.   GREGORY    1  m     GREA1  99 

EARLY  MORNING   HYMN 

Rent  in  Great  or  Optime 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

CREATOR  of  the  earth  and  skies, 
Our  blessed  guide,  we  call  on  thee; 
Look  down  upon  our  miseries, 

From  sin  and  sorrow  make  us  free. 

Dear  Christ,  to  thee  we  come  for  aid, 
Look  not  upon  our  faults,  we  pray; 

To  thee  our  grateful  thanks  are  paid 
Before  the  night  has  passed  away. 

We  lift  our  hearts  and  hands  to  thee, 
As  prophet  bade  and  Paul  hath  shown; 

While  darkness  yet  holds  land  and  sea 
We  seek  thee;  hear  our  earnest  moan. 

Thou  see'st  the  evil  we  have  done, 

Each  deed  before  thee  open  lies; 
Thy  pardon  send,  O  Holy  One! 

In  pity  heed  our  prayers  and  cries. 

Father  of  mercy,  unto  thee 

Be  glory;  to  the  sole-born  Son 
And  Spirit  equal  honour  be, 

One  God  forever,  three  in  one. 


100 


EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 


A  HYMN  FOR  LENT 

Ex  More  Docti  Mystico 

(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

BY  holy  custom  taught,  we  raise 
Our  minds  and  hearts  the  Lord  to  serve, 
And  through  the  space  of  forty  days 
The  fasts  and  laws  of  Lent  observe. 

By  ancient  rule  and  prophet's  word 
The  sacred  custom  first  was  taught; 

And  in  the  desert  Christ  the  Lord 
The  rite  unto  perfection  brought. 

Be  ours  to  practice  temperance  spare, 
In  word,  in  food,  in  drink,  in  sleep; 

Our  pleasures  curb,  while,  bowed  in  prayer, 
A  guard  upon  our  wills  we  keep. 

And  let  us  shun  each  evil  thought 
That  undermines  the  restless  soul, 

And  bring  the  tempter's  power  to  nought 
By  spirits  bound  in  close  control. 

We  kneel  before  thee,  Lord,  and  weep; 

Thine  ire  is  just;  our  judge  thou  art; 
We  cry  with  suppliant  voice,  and  keep 

Our  hope  in  thee,  with  humbled  heart. 


■ 


ST.    GREGORY   THE    GREAT  IOI 

Our  deeds  insult  thee,  Lord  of  love; 

And  yet  thy  clemency  we  seek; 
Pour  forth  thy  mercy  from  above; 

Thou  know'st  our  hearts,  how  base  and  weak. 

Remember,  Father,  we  are  thine, 

Preserve  us  from  the  stain  of  sin; 
Grant  us  to  love  thy  name  divine, 

To  know  thy  law  and  dwell  therein. 

Forgive  the  evil  we  have  done; 

The  blessing  that  we  need,  increase; 
Inflame  our  hearts  all  crime  to  shun, 

And  keep  our  souls  in  endless  peace. 

Honour  be  thine,  Eternal  Three, 

Thou  single  Godhead,  just,  benign, 
Let  all  our  lives  be  turned  to  thee, 

And  be  the  fruits  of  fasting  thine. 


A  HYMN  FOR   MATINS 

Tu    Trinitatis  Unit  as 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

THOU  triune  God,  eternal  King, 
Almighty  ruler  of  the  spheres, 
Hark  to  the  song  of  praise  we  bring, 

And  hear  and  heed  our  psalms  and  tears. 


102  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

For  we,  arising  out  of  sleep 

Amid  the  darkness  of  the  night 

Beseech  thee,  Lord,  our  souls  to  keep, 
And  heal  our  wounds  with  holy  light. 

Whate'er  of  evil  we  have  done 

Lured  by  the  tempter's  foul  deceit, 

O  wrash  away,  thou  Holy  One, 
And  bring  us  to  thy  mercy  sweet. 

Lord,  be  our  bodies  chaste  and  pure, 
Thy  love  let  every  bosom  feel, 

Keep  thou  our  lives  from  sin  secure, 
And  fire  our  souls  with  holy  zeal. 

For  this,  Redeemer,  thee  we  seek, 
For  this  we  call  thee  in  the  night; 

Uplift  and  help,  for  we  are  weak, 
And  guide  us  by  thy  heavenly  light. 

Father  of  mercy,  hear  our  prayer, 
And  thou,  O  sole-begotten  Son, 

And  Holy  Spirit,  yield  thy  care, 
Eternal  Godhead,  three  in  one. 


ST.   GREGORY   THE   GREAT  103 

SUNDAY  MORNING   HYMN 

Prima  Die  Quo  Trirutas 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

THIS  day  the  blessed  Trinity 
Upbuilded  by  creative  word 
The  earth;  this  day  the  risen  Lord 
O'er  death  a  victor,  made  us  free. 
Then  casting  ofT  all  lethargy, 
Arise  and  sing  in  sweet  accord; 
While  yet  'tis  night  be  God  adored  — 
The  prophet  bids,  —  so  let  it  be. 

Seek  we  the  Lord  in  humble  prayer, 

That  he  may  stretch  his  hand  and  save, 

And  lift  each  soul  above  the  grave, 
The  living  joys  of  heaven  to  share; 
With  hymns  and  orisons  prepare, 

Ere  yet  the  dawn  is  on  the  wave; 

Sing  out  the  praise  of  him  that  gave 
All  blessed  gifts,  and  crave  his  care. 

Yea,  now,  O  Fount  of  living  light, 

Thy  tender  guidance  we  require; 

Keep  from  our  hearts  the  fleshly  fire, 
And  lead  us  from  the  deeds  that  blight. 
Oh  be  our  bodies  in  thy  sight 

So  purified  from  foul  desire, 

That,  all  appeased  thy  righteous  ire, 
Thou  bring  us  to  thy  holy  height. 


104  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Redeemer  of  the  world,  thou  Sun 

Of  justice,  thee  do  we  entreat; 

Oh  wash  our  hearts  from  stain  complete, 
And  be  our  souls  to  glory  won! 
To  God  the  Father  and  the  Son 

Be  praise  and  love  and  glory  meet, 

And  unto  thee,  O  Paraclete, 
Eternal  Godhead,  three  in  one. 

AT  MATINS 

Nocte  Surgentes 

(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

FROM  slumber's  bonds,  before  the  day, 
Uprising,  let  us  watch  and  pray; 
Let  all  on  psalm  and  sacred  word 
Now  meditate,  and  in  accord 
Praise  God  with  consecrated  lay. 

So,  joining  with  the  choirs  on  high, 

The  songs  shall  sound  through  earth  and  sky, 

In  praise  of  our  eternal  King; 

O  Father!  let  thy  mercy  bring 
Our  souls  to  endless  ecstasy. 

Be  with  us,  Lord,  by  day  and  night, 
The  Father's  Godhead,  power  and  might, 

So  of  the  sole-begotten  Son 

And  Holy  Ghost;  as  ages  run 
One  praise  shall  fill  the  world  with  light. 


ST.   GKI.cjokv   THE    GR]  A  l 


I05 


AT  MATINS' 

(Another  Verskm) 

RISE  wc,  now,  crc  dawn,  and  begin  our  watching, 
Lift  our  hearts  in  psalms,  and  in  meditation; 
And  with  voices  tuned  to  the  Lord,  in  music 
Sing  his  sweet  anthems. 

Let  us  join  our  songs  with  the  choirs  supernal, 
In  unending  praise  to  the  King  of  mercy. 

So  our  souls  may  come  to  the  halls  of  splendour 
Shining  eternal. 

Be  thou  blessed,  O  God,  in  thy  might  tremendous, 
Spirit,  Sire  and  Son,  thou  art  God  eternal, 
One  forevermore;  let  thy  praise  and  glory 
Sound  through  the  ages. 


AT  DAYBREAK 

Ecce  Jam  N  Oct  is 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

LO,  now  the  shadows  of  the  night 
Are  passing  bv;  the  changing  light 
Purples  the  skies  of  morn;  and  we 
Our  suppliant  voices  lift  to  thee 
In  Prayer  and  song,  O  God  of  might! 

1  In  the  Sapphics  of  the  original. 


106  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Let  all  thy  mercies,  Lord,  increase 
Upon  our  erring  hearts;  surcease 
Of  sorrow  bring;  and  make  us  free 
From  sin  and  shame  and  misery, 
And  grant  us  everlasting  peace. 

Unto  the  Father  glory  raise 
With  love  and  joy,  in  hymns  of  praise; 
So  to  the  sole-begotten  Son, 
And  Holy  Spirit,  three  in  one, 
Resounding  to  the  end  of  days. 

AT  DAYBREAK1 

(Another  Version) 

LO,  the  night  goes  by  with  its  gloomy  shadows, 
And  the  skies  grow  fair  in  the  light  of  morning, 
Lord,  we  come  to  thee  and  our  suppliant  voices 
Lift  up  before  thee. 

Be  thy  mercy  shown  to  our  feeble  nature, 
Sin  and  shame  and  woe  from  our  bosoms  banish; 
Everlasting  peace,  in  thy  halls  of  splendour, 
Grant  us,  O  Saviour. 

Be  thou  with  us,  Lord,  and  be  thine  all  glory, 
God  eternal,  Sire,  with  the  Son  and  Spirit, 
Heaven  and  earth  shall  ring  with  unending  praises 
Dowyn  through  the  ages. 

1  In  the  Sapphics  of  the  original. 


ST.    GREGORY   THE    GREAT  IO7 

A  HYMN  FOR   PENTECOST 

Veni  Creator  Spiritus 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

COME,  Spirit  of  the  mighty  word, 
We  need  thy  presence  and  thy  aid; 
Be  thy  supernal  graces  poured 

Into  the  breasts  which  thou  hast  made. 

Well  art  thou  called  the  Paraclete, 

Thy  mercies  comfort  and  condole, 
The  fount  of  life,  the  love,  the  heat, 

The  soothing  unction  of  the  soul. 

Bearer  of  sevenfold  blessedness, 
Finger  of  God  to  guide  and  teach, 

Shedding  from  heaven  the  promised  grace, 
Enriching  tongues  with  holy  speech; 

Kindle  our  senses  with  thy  light, 

Thy  love  into  our  bosoms  pour, 
Sustain  each  weakness  with  thy  might, 

And  raise  our  souls  forevermore. 

Drive  from  our  path  the  evil  one; 

Bring  gentle  peace  to  crown  our  dav; 
With  thee  before  us  leading  on, 

We  shall  not  into  error  stray. 


108  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Grant,  that  we  may  the  Father  know, 
And  feel  the  love  of  Christ  the  Son, 

Through  thee;  and  in  thy  holy  glow 
Forever  see  the  Three  in  one. 

Be  glory  to  the  Father  given, 
And  to  the  risen  Son,  and  thee, 

O  Holy  Ghost;  let  earth  and  heaven 
Ring  with  one  praise  eternally. 


EUGENIUS 

The  date  of  birth  of  Eugenius  is  not  definitely  known. 
It  is  believed  to  have  occurred  in  the  later  part  of  the 
sixth  century.  He  was  a  theologian  of  note,  and  counted 
among  the  most  learned  men  of  his  age.  At  the  time 
of  his  death  in  657,  he  was  archbishop  of  Toledo,  which 
See  he  had  held  for  twelve  years. 

He  was  a  prelate  of  eminent  sanctity  and  the  author 
of  several  pious  epigrams.  His  most  noted  poetical 
production  was  called  the  "Hexaemeron,"  being  a  de- 
scription of  the  six  days  of  creation. 

The  following  poem  is  now  translated  for  the  first 
time  into  English.  It  is  valuable,  not  only  for  certain 
poetical  merits,  which  it  possesses,  but  as  a  good  ex- 
pression of  the  ideal  of  a  Christian  gentleman  and  scholar 
of  the  early  years  of  Christianity.  I  have  attempted 
to  imitate  the  hexameters  of  the  original. 


109 


THE   PRAYER   OF   EUGENIUS 

Rex  Deus,  Immcnsi 

MONARCH  of  infinite  majesty,  Maker  and   Lord 
of  creation, 
Feeble  and  vile  at  thy  feet  I  dare  to  implore  thee  for 
favours;  — 


Give  me  the  vigour  to  govern  my  will  like  a  king  in  his 
kingdom; 

Soften  my  spirit  with  kindness,  and  open  my  mind  to 
thy  glory; 

Let  me  live  in  thy  faith,  all  sects  and  falsehoods  resisting, 

Make  me  in  deed  and  desire  a  servant  worthy  thy  ser- 
vice. 

Grant  that  love  may  be  mine;  make  me  truthful,  humble 

and  prudent; 
Silent  when   wisdom   requires,   and   always   cautious   in 

language. 
Bless    me    with    faithful    companions,    with    friendships 

fast  and  enduring, 
And  with   a   servant  chaste  and  kind  and  careful  and 

willing. 

Give  me  not  over  to  poverty's  pains,  nor  to  languor's 
allurements; 

in 


112  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Only  the  needful  I  crave,  but  health  as  a  constant  com- 
panion. 

Keep  me  from  riches  and  envy;  from  arrogance,  quarrel 
and  law  suits, 

Gluttony's  foul  desires,  and  luxury's  gratifications. 

No  one  by  crime  let  me  harm,  from  no  one  by  crime 

let  me  suffer,  — 
Let   not  my  will    from   justice  turn,   nor  my  thoughts 

toward  evil; 
Nothing  unworthy  be  found  in  will  or  in  word  or  in 

action; 
Utterance,  spirit  and   deed,  let  them  sing  thee,   desire 

thee  and  show  thee; 

Grant,  I    beseech,  such    power,  as    shall    overcome    all 

temptation, 
While  in  the  race  of  life  my  running  shall  gain  me  the 

trophy. 
Then  when  the  hour  of  death  shall  come,  and  my  spirit 

soars  upward, 
Let  thy  mercy  awake,  and  bless  me,  O  Lord,  with  thy 

pardon. 

Glory  be  thine  forever,  of  heaven  and  earth  the  creator, 
Triune  God  that  reignest,  alone  over  all  through  the 
ages. 


PAUL  THE   DEACON 

Paul  was  born  in  Italy  in  735,  and  died  in  798.  He 
was  known  as  a  historian  and  a  poet,  and  was  one  of 
the  learned  men  whom  Charlemagne  invited  to  aid  him 
in  establishing  the  great  school  of  the  Emperor's  palace. 

His  famous  hymn  on  St.  John  the  Baptist  has  been 
divided  in  the  Roman  Breviary  into  the  following  three, 
for  Vespers,  Matins  and  Lauds. 

This  hymn  is  noted  as  having  afforded  Guido  of  Ar- 
rezzo  the  names  of  the  notes  of  the  musical  scale. 

The  hymn  was  a  great  favourite  in  the  Middle  Ages. 
It  was  thought  that  its  recitation  would  induce  pure 
musical  tones. 


VESPER  HYMN  TO  ST.   JOHN  THE  BAPTIST 

Ut  Queant  Laxis 

AS  we  thy  servants  will  to  bring 
Thy  deeds  before  the  world  and  sing 
Thy  name,  St.  John,  as  should  be  sung, 
Cleanse  thou  the  lips  and  loose  the  tongue, 
That  so  thy  praise  may  fitly  ring. 

When  Gabriel  from  God's  presence  came, 

And  stood  before  the  altar  flame, 
With  tidings  of  thy  coming  birth 
And  of  thy  deeds  of  heavenly  worth, 

He  brought  from  God  thy  holy  name. 

Thy  Father's  faith  was  sorely  wrung; 

Doubting  the  message  tied  his  tongue; 
And  dumb,  till  past  thy  natal  hour, 
Thy  name  restored  his  vocal  power, 

And  filled  his  soul  with  flowing  song. 

While  closed  within  thy  mother's  womb 
Thou  didst  perceive  the  Christ  to  come, 

And  give  thy  mother  to  disclose 

The  unborn  King,  ere  yet  he  rose 
To  wrest  the  world  from  death  and  doom. 


"5 


Il6  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

HYMN  FOR  MATINS 

Antra  Deserti 

FOR  years  thy  spirit  found  it  well 
Within  a  desert  cave  to  dwell, 
To  fly  the  crowds,  that  so  no  vain 
Or  evil  deed  thy  life  should  stain, 
Nor  idle  thought  thy  tongue  should  tell. 

Thy  limbs  were  clothed  in  camel's  hair, 
A  leathern  girdle  didst  thou  wear, 
Thy  drink  was  water  from  the  flood, 
And  the  wild  honey  of  the  wood, 
With  the  shrill  locust,  all  thy  fare. 

The  prophets  sang,  in  sacred  lay, 
The  brightness  of  the  coming  day; 
Thy  soul  the  glory  saw,  and  calm 
Proclaimed  the  presence  of  the  Lamb, 
Who  came  to  bear  our  sins  away. 

The  world  shall  ever  sing  thy  worth, 
Great  Saint;  it  knows  no  holier  birth 

Than  thine,  whose  hands  the  water  poured 
Upon  the  forehead  of  thy  Lord, 
The  Lamb  of  God,  who  cleansed  the  earth. 

All  glory  to  the  Father  be 
And  sole-begotten  Son,  to  thee, 


PAUL    THE    DEACON  I  I  7 

While  to  the  Holy  Ghost  we  raise 
An  equal  meed  of  love  and  praise, 
One  God,  one  rule,  eternally. 


HYMN  FOR  LAUDS 

0  Nimis  Felix 

GREAT  Saint,  thy  worth  is  heavenly  high; 
No  stain  is  on  thy  purity; 
Most  potent  martyr,  lo,  we  bring 
The  seemly  song  of  praise,  and  sing 
With  voices  sounding  to  the  sky. 

Of  crowns  thrice  ten  the  angels  weave 
For  other  martvrs;  some  receive 

A  double  glory;  but  to  thee 

Three  hundred  shining  wreaths  shall  be 
Of  fruit  and  flowrer,  in  sacred  sheaf. 

Enrich  our  souls  with  strength,  we  pray; 

Pluck  from  our  breasts  all  faults  away; 
O,  smooth  our  rugged  road,  and  be 
Our  guide,  that  we  the  light  may  see 

Across  the  hills,  of  God's  white  day. 

So  through  thy  prayers  the  Lord  shall  bless 
And  light  our  souls  with  holiness, 

Shall  lift  our  heavy  hearts,  and  deign 
To  wash  away  all  worldly  stain, 
In  the  clear  fountain  of  his  grace. 


Il8  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Now,  with  the  heavenly  choirs  we  raise 
To  thee,  O  Trinity,  all  praise, 

We  bow  in  prayer  before  thy  throne, 
Redeem  and  save  us,  Holy  One, 
And  fill  with  light  our  lonely  ways. 


ST.   PAULINUS   OF   AQUILEIA 

One  of  the  most  illustrious  and  holy  prelates  of  the 
eighth  century,  St.  Paulinus,  was  born  about  the  year 
726,  in  a  country  farm  not  far  from  Friuli,  and  died 
in  Aquileia,  January  II,  804,  although  his  feast  is  held 
in  some  places  on  January  28. 

He  was  one  of  the  saintly  and  learned  men  whom 
Charlemagne  invited  to  assist  in  building  up  his  great 
school  of  the  Palace. 

He  was  appointed  in  776  as  Patriarch  of  Aquileia, 
which  dignity  had  then  but  recently  been  annexed  to 
that  See. 

He  was  honoured  by  Charlemagne  with  the  titles 
"Master  of  Grammar,"  and  "Very  Venerable, "  and  the 
Emperor  required  his  presence  at  all  his  great  councils. 

The  Church  has  adapted  in  the  Roman  Breviary  the 
fourth  stanza  of  the  following  hymn  for  the  feast  of 
St.  Peter's  chains,  and  the  fifth  stanza  for  the  feast  of 
St.  Peter's  chair  at  Rome. 


119 


THE  APOSTLES,  PETER  AND  PAUL 

Felix  Per  0 nines  F  est  urn 

THROUGH  earth's  wide  bounds  the  honoured  festival 
Of  blessed  Peter  and  of  Holy  Paul 
Is  kept  in  happy  memory,  and  maintained 
To  grace  whom  Christ's  redeeming  blood  ordained 
Among  the  apostles  princes  over  all. 

Two  olives  they  on  God's  eternal  height, 

Two  candlesticks  that  gleam  with  heavenly  light, 

Resplendent  stars  that  glorify  the  skies; 

The  words  that  ope  the  gates  of  Paradise, 
And  break  the  bonds  of  sin  by  gentle  might. 

Their  word  has  power  to  close  the  golden  bar, 
Or  bare  the  thresholds,  where  the  angels  are; 

Their  tongues  are  keys  that  guard  the  golden  light 
Of  God's  high  justice;  they  uphold  the  right, 
And  drive  all  falsehood  from  the  earth  afar. 

Peter  most  wondrously,  at  Christ's  command, 
The  iron  fetters  broke  from  foot  and  hand, 
And  so  came  forth,  defender  of  the  fold, 
The  teacher  of  God's  people,  calm  and  bold, 
A  tower  of  strength  to  guard  the  little  band. 


122  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Whate'er  on  earth  he  bindeth,  by  decree 
Is  bound  among  the  stars  eternally; 

And  what  his  will  shall  loose  on  earth,  behold! 

'Tis  loosed  forever  in  the  halls  of  gold; 
The  judge  of  all  the  ages  he  shall  be. 

No  less  in  glory  is  the  teacher  Paul, 
Who,  persecuting,  heard  the  Saviour  call; 
Lamps  of  the  Church,  and  equal  in  renown, 
Partners  in  death,  and  sharers  of  one  crown, 
Amid  the  skies  their  light  surpasseth  all. 

O  Happy  Rome!  that  art  empurpled  by 
The  precious  blood  of  princes;  thou  canst  vie 
In  beauty  with  the  world;  not  by  thine  own, 
But  by  their  merits,    is   thy  glory  known, 
Whose  blessed  bones  beneath  thy  pavement  liec 

O  blessed  Peter,  and  O  Paul,  the  flower 
Of  earth,  triumphant  chiefs  in  holy  power, 
Look  on  the  world  in  pity,  heed  our  cares, 
Protect  us  from  all  evil  by  your  prayers; 
Guide  and  uplift  us  to  the  heavenly  tower. 

Unto  the  Sire  eternal  praises  sing, 
And  let  the  chorus  to  the  Son  outring, 

And  to  the  Holy  Spirit,  one  in  three; 

An  everlasting  song  of  glory  be 
To  God  the  everlasting  Lord  and  King. 


THEODULPHUS 

Theodulphus  was  educated  in  the  school  of  the 
Palace  of  Charlemagne,  and  according  to  the  custom 
of  that  age,  and  particularly  of  that  school,  assumed,  for 
himself  the  title  of  Pindar.  This  was  on  account  of 
his  supposed  lyric  power. 

He  became  bishop  of  Orleans  about  the  first  part  of 
the  ninth  century  and  died  while  occupying  that  See 
in  821. 

For  some  reason,  which  does  not  clearly  appear,  he 
is  said  to  have  been  confined  for  a  time  by  Louis  the 
Debonair,  son  and  successor  of  Charlemagne,  in  a  prison 
at  Angers,  during  which  time  the  following  hymn  is 
said  to  have  been  written.  The  story  states  that  the 
Bishop  sang  the  new  hymn  from  his  dungeon  window 
as  the  emperor  was  passing  to  the  Cathedral  on  Palm 
Sunday,  in  the  year  821,  and  that  as  a  result  the  bishop 
was  liberated  from  his  captivity. 

The  hymn  is  still  used  in  the  church  as  a  processional 
hymn  on  Palm  Sunday. 


I23 


HYMN   FOR   PALM  SUNDAY 

Gloria,  La  us  et  Honor 

ALL  glory,  praise  and  honour 
To  thee,  O  Christ,  we  bring, 
And  sing  like  Sion's  children, 
Hozannas  to  our  King. 

For  thou  art  King,  Lord  Jesus, 

Of  David's  royal  line, 
And  blest  are  all  who  serve  thee 

And  call  thy  name  divine. 

The  saints  and  holy  angels 

Exalt  in  heaven  thy  name, 
And  men  on  earth  forever 

Thy  glory  shall  proclaim. 

As  came  the  Jews  to  meet  thee 

With  palms  upon  the  way, 
So  we  with  prayerful  voices 

Lift  up  our  songs  to-day. 

As  they  loud  praises  paid  thee 

Upon  the  road  of  pain, 
So  we  with  sounding  music 

Salute  thy  endless  reign. 
I25 


126  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

As  their  devotion  pleased  thee, 
So  be  our  offering,  — 

The  song,  the  prayer,  the  praises, 
We  bring  thee,  gentle  King. 


RABANUS  MAURUS 

One  of  the  most  learned  and  holy  men  of  his  age, 
Rabanus  Maurus  was  born  in  Germany  about  the  year 
800. 

While  Abbot  of  Fulda,  he  made  that  house  the  great- 
est nursery  of  science  in  Europe. 

He  was  Archbishop  of  Mentz  from  847  to  856,  when  he 
died  on  February  4,  on  which  day  his  name  appears  in 
certain  private  German  martyrologies,  though  he  has 
never  been  publicly  honored  among  the  saints. 

Most  of  the  hymns  for  the  feasts  of  saints  and  angels 
are  believed  to  have  been  composed  by  Rabanus.  All 
the  following  hymns  are  found  in  the  Roman  Breviary. 


127 


VESPER   HYMN   FOR   ALL  SAINTS 

PI  a  care  Christe  Servulis 

O  SOOTHE  thy  servants'  woes,  and  bring 
Our  souls  to  thee,  most  clement  King; 
We  seek  before  thy  mercy  seat 
The  Virgin's  intercession  sweet. 

And  ye,  O  blessed  ones,  who  move 
In  circles  near  the  throne  of  love, 
Shield  us  from  all  iniquity, 
Or  past,  or  present,  or  to  be. 

Ye  prophets  and  apostles,  hear; 

Lift  up  before  the  Judge  severe 

Our  tearful  prayers,  and  give  your  voice, 

That  he  may  bid  our  souls  rejoice. 

Ye  noble  martyrs  of  the  Lord, 
And  white-robed  preachers  of  the  word, 
Behold  us  exiled,  bowed  in  gloom; 
Oh  guide  us  to  our  heavenly  home. 

Ye  holy  bands  of  virgins  chaste, 
And  godly  dwellers  of  the  waste, 
Now  glorified  with  God,  look  down. 
And  help  us  to  the  heavenly  crown. 
129 


I30  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Lord  save  us  from  the  poisonous  breath 
Of  heresy,  that  bringeth  death; 
So  all  thy  people,  joined  as  one, 
Shall  bow  before  thy  heavenly  throne. 

To  God  the  Father  glory  be, 
And  sole-begotten  Son  to  thee. 
And  to  the  Spirit,  three  in  one 
While  everlasting  ages  run. 


MORNING  HYMN  FOR  ALL  SAINTS 

Salutis  Aeterne  Dator 

O  SAVIOUR,  Fount  of  heavenly  life, 
Assist  us  in  our  earthly  strife; 
Thou  pitying  Virgin,  hear  our  cries, 
And  raise  us  from  our  miseries. 

Angelic  hosts  our  needs  attend; 

Ye  holy  patriarchs,  defend; 

Ye  choirs  of  prophets,  by  your  prayers, 

Protect  us  from  unholy  snares. 

Herald  of  Christ,  we  call  on  thee; 
And  thou  that  hold'st  the  golden  key; 
Apostles  all,  your  voice  we  claim, 
Dissolve  the  bonds  of  sin  and  shame. 

Triumphant  martyrs  of  the  Lord; 
Ye  holy  preachers  of  the  word; 


RABANUS    MAURUS  I  }1 

And  virgins  chaste;  to  you  wc  pray; 
Wash  all  our  sinful  stains  away. 

All  ye  among  the  halls  of  heaven, 
To  whom  the  light  of  love  is  given, 
In  pity  hear  our  cries,  —  that  we 
The  glory  of  God's  face  may  see. 

All  praise  and  honour,  power  and  love 
To  God  the  Sire  who  rules  above, 
Unto  the  Son  like  glory  be 
And  Holy  Ghost  eternally. 


HYMN  TO  THE  ARCHANGEL  RAPHAEL 

Tibi  Christe  Splendor  Patris 

JESUS,  unto  thee,  the  splendour 
Of  the  Father's  face,  we  sing; 
Mighty,  meek,  forgiving,  tender, 

All  our  hope  from  thee  we  bring; 
Praise  with  angel  choirs  we  render, 
Glad  hozannas  to  our  King. 

Voicing  songs  of  veneration, 

All  the  heavenly  chiefs  we  praise, 

Lift  our  hymns  in  loud  laudation; 
But  to  Raphael  we  upraise 

Special  love  and  jubilation, 

Guide  and  friend  from  ancient  days. 


I32  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

By  his  care  be  darkness  driven 

From  our  souls,  with  sin  and  shame; 

Light  our  bosoms,  Lord,  from  heaven, 
Cleanse  us  by  thy  purging  flame; 

So  by  tender  love  forgiven, 

God  shall  be  our  home  and  aim. 

Then  with  psalm  and  song  sonorous, 
Praise  the  Sire  from  shore  to  shore; 

Praise  alike  in  swelling  chorus 
Son  and  Spirit  evermore; 

While  with  cross  upraised  before  us 
We  one  living  God  adore. 


HYMN  TO  THE  ARCHANGEL  MICHAEL 

Te  Splendor  et  Virtus  Patris 

THEE  the  Father's  power  and  splendour, 
Jesus,  thee  we  praise  in  song, 
Bless  thy  name,  O  Shepherd  tender, 
Joining  with  the  angel  throng. 

'Mid  the  myriad  host  before  thee, 

Ranged  along  the  radiant  sky, 
Michael  holds  the  cross  of  glory, 

Our  salvation's  hope,  on  high. 

By  that  sign  he  drives  in  terror 
Satan  and  his  godless  powers, 


. 


RABANUS    MAURUS  I33 

All  the  rebel  ranks  of  error. 
Headlong  from  the  heavenly  towers. 

Blessed  Michael,  be  our  leader, 

In  our  war  on  sin  and  pride; 
Be  with  Christ  our  interceder, 
That  the  crown  be  not  denied. 

Glory  to  the  Father  ever, 

Glory  to  the  sole-born  Son, 
Glory  to  the  Spirit;  never 

Cease  the  song  while  ages  run. 


O  JESUS,   JOY  OF  ANGEL  CHOIRS 

Cbnste,  Sanctorum  Decus 

O  JESUS,  joy  of  angel  choirs. 
Thou  Sire  and  Saviour  of  the  race, 
Illume  our  souls  with  pure  desires, 
And  lead  us  heavenward  by  thy  grace. 

Let  Michael,  messenger  of  peace, 
Visit  our  temples,  day  and  night; 

For  in  his  presence  wars  shall  cease 
And  love  shall  fill  the  world  with  light. 

Let  Gabriel's  arm  of  flame  and  power 
Protect  us  from  the  ancient  foe, 

And  be  to  us  a  shielding  tower 
To  guard  us  in  our  strife  below. 


134  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Let  blessed  Raphael's  healing  hand 
Uplift  us;  him  we  need  and  seek 

To  guide  us  to  the  heavenly  land, 

To  raise  the  faint  and  nerve  the  weak. 

And  Virgin  Mother  of  the  Light, 

Thou  hope  of  souls,  thou  heavenly  Queen, 

Assist  us  by  thy  gentle  might 

And  light  us  home  in  rays  serene. 

So  God  shall  heed  and  help  our  needs, 
The  Sire,  the  sole-begotten  Son, 

And  Spirit  who  from  both  proceeds, 
Forever  reigning  three  in  one. 


HYMN  FOR  THE  APOSTLES 

Exultet  Orbis  Gaudus 

LET  all  the  world  exult  in  song, 
Let  praises  through  the  heavens  ring, 
Let  earth  and  skies  the  hymn  prolong, 
The  great  apostles'  glory  sing. 

Ye  judges  of  the  centuries, 

And  beacons  of  the  world,  we  dare 

Appeal  to  you  on  bended  knees, 

Oh,  heed  and  hear  our  suppliant  prayer. 

O  ye,  whose  word  may  close  or  ope 
The  sacred  temple  of  the  Lord, 


RAB  \m   S    MAURU8  1  ^5 

Restore  our  souls  with  heavenly  hope. 
And  break  the  chain  of  sin  abhorred. 

Both  life  and  death  your  will  obey. 
At  your  command  all  evils  fly; 

From  our  frail  hearts  take  guilt  awav\ 
And  frame  our  lives  with  love  on  hi^h. 

So  when  at  last  the  Christ  shall  come 
To  judge  the  world,  our  deeds  may  be 

Worthy  to  make  his  heaven  our  home, 
Co-heirs  with  you  eternally. 

Unto  the  Father  glory  be, 

And  equal  glory  to  the  Son, 
The  same,  O  Paraclete  to  thee, 

One  God,  while  endless  ages  run. 


HYMN  FOR  THE  FEAST  OF  A  CONFESSOR 

Jesu  Redemptor  Omnium 

JESUS,  Redeemer  of  mankind 
And  crown  of  guides  who  lead  for  thee, 
Turn  on  our  souls  thy  glances  kind; 
We  ask  thy  love  on  bended  knee. 

Lord,  thy  confessor's  holy  fame, 

Whose  solemn  feast  we  keep  to-day, 

Still  glorifies  thy  sacred  name; 

Through  him  our  vows  to  thee  we  pay. 


136  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

No  earthly  joys  he  sought  or  won, 

Pleasures  he  spurned  as  things  of  nought, 

He  prized  thy  tender  love  alone, 

Thy  heavenly  light  was  all  he  sought. 

Send  us,  dear  Lord,  thy  rays  sublime 
That  we  his  beaten  path  may  see; 

And  purged  from  every  stain  of  crime, 
May  find  our  endless  home  with  thee. 

Christ,  King  of  love,  be  glory  meet 
To  God  the  Father  and  to  thee, 

And  to  the  Spirit  Paraclete, 
Now  and  through  all  eternity. 


HYMN  FOR  A  CONFESSOR 

Iste  Confessor  Domini 

THE  people  thy  confessor  praise  to-day, 
Lord,  over  all  the  world,  and  tributes  bring; 
This  day  he  rose  to  walk  the  heavenly  way, 
Where  angels  sing. 

Meek,  prudent,  humble,  modest  on  the  earth, 

A  sober  life  he  led  without  a  stain; 
He  lived  for  thee,  O  Lord;  his  deeds  of  worth 

For  thee  remain. 

The  sick  and  dying,  through  his  holy  hand, 
Were  oft  upraised  to  health  by  thee,  O  Lord; 


RABANUS    MAURI  8  \yj 

And  suffering  ones  to-day  from  every  land, 
Are  still  restored. 

And  so  we  sing  our  choiring  songs  of  praise, 
W\   bring  our  palms  to  crown  his  holy  day; 

And  beg  that  for  our  needs  he  may  upraise 
His  voice  and  pray. 

All  honour,  power  and  glory  let  us  sing 
Unto  the  living  God  who  reigns  alone; 

Ruler  of  all  the  worlds,  the  Lord,  the  King, 
The  three  in  one. 

In  case  the  day  celebrated  is  not  the  day  of  the  Saint's  death,  the  following 
may  be  sung  instead  of  the  third  and  fourth  lines  of  the  first  stanza: 

Unto  his  honour  lift  the  joyous  lay, 
And  praises  sing. 


NOTKER 

A  native  of  northern  Switzerland,  Notker  Balluilus 
was  born  about  840,  and  died  in  912  on  the  sixth  of 
April,  on  which  day  he  is  commemorated  as  a  saint  in 
the  monastery  of  St.  Gall,  where  he  had  been  one  of 
the  most  noted  followers  of  the  founder  of  that  great 
house. 

He  compiled  a  life  of  St.  Gall  in  verse,  and  left  a 
martyrology,  chiefly  collected  from  Rabanus  Maurus 
and  St.  Odo  of  Cluny. 

He  was  a  man  of  gentle  and  contemplative  nature, 
accustomed  to  find  spiritual  and  poetical  suggestions 
in  the  common  sights  around  him. 

His  name  is  chieflv  important  in  the  history  of  eccle- 
siastical music  as  the  inventor  of  sequences,  which  may 
be  regarded  as  marking  the  beginning  of  the  later  medi- 
aeval  epoch  of  Latin  hvmnody.  The  Xotkerian  se- 
quence is,  in  form,  a  rhythmical  prose  something  like 
the  psalms  of  David. 

The  sequence  was  a  chant  of  praise  to  be  sung  be- 
tween the  epistle  and  the  gospel  at  the  Mass. 

One  of  the  best  known  and  most  remarkable  of  the 
Notkerian  sequences,  is  that  brief  antiphon,  translated 
in  the  burial  service  of  the  Episcopal  Book  of  Common 
Prayer,  ''In  the  midst  of  life  we  are  in  death. " 

The  following  selection,  ranked  as  one  of  the  seven 
139 


I40  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

great  hymns,  is  a  good  example  of  the  Notkerian  se- 
quence. It  has  been  attributed  by  some  writers  to 
Gotschalk,  another  monk  of  St.  Gall,  who  died  in  950. 
It  is  known  as  the  "  Alleluiatic  Chorus,"  or  the  "  Alle- 
luiatic  Sequence." 


THE  ALLELUIATIC  SEQUENCE 

Cant  cm  us  Cuncti 

COME,  let  us  all  sing  out  the  song  of  praise, 
Swelling  in  thanks  to  our  eternal  Lord, 

Alleluia! 
Let  the  rejoicing  choirs  of  heaven  unite, 
And  lift  their  golden  voices  to  the  strain, 

Alleluia! 
Sounding  along  the  fields  of  Paradise 
Shall  ring  the  music  of  the  blessed  throngs, 

Alleluia! 
The  jubilee  of  everlasting  stars 
Shall  give  their  shining  answer  to  the  song, 

Alleluia! 
Let  cloud,  wind,  lightning  and  the  rolling  thunder, 
Mingle  their  tones  in  solemn  harmony, 

'  Alleluia! 
River  and  ocean,  rain  and  gale  and  calm, 
Summer  and  winter,  field  and  grove  shall  sing, 

Alleluia! 
The  birds  of  every  plumage  first  shall  raise 
Loud  praises  to  their  Maker  in  sweet  songs. 

Alleluia! 
Then  all  the  beasts  shall  lift  their  various  voices, 
And  give  eternal  answer  to  the  praises, 

Alleluia! 
141 


142  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Thou,  too,  O  deep  of  ocean,  shout  in  joy, 
Nor  silent,  you,  ye  continents,  remain, 

Alleluia! 
Let  every  man  exulting,  sing  sweet  psalms, 
While  thanks  unending  rise  to  God  on  high, 

Alleluia! 
So  as  we  shout  the  canticles  of  joy, 
The  praise  shall  bring  delight  unto  his  ear, 

Alleluia! 
And  so  the  heavenly  tunes  that  we  upraise 
Be  pleasing  to  the  Saviour's  tender  heart, 

Alleluia! 
Then,  brethren,  lift  your  voices  and  rejoice, 
And  you,  ye  little  children,  answer  forth, 

Alleluia! 
Now  to  the  Father  Alleluia  sing, 
To  Jesus  Alleluia,  and  the  Spirit, 

Alleluia! 
Sing  praises  to  the  eternal  Trinity, 
Sing  in  the  cleansing  baptism  of  the  Lord, 

Alleluia! 


ST.   ODO  OF  CLUNY 

The  son  of  a  nobleman  of  the  first  rank,  Odo  was  born 
at  Tours  in  879,  and  from  his  childhood  was  much  given 
to  piety  and  prayer.  At  nineteen  years  of  age  he  received 
the  tonsure,  and  from  that  time  he  put  away  learning 
and  devoted  himself  to  religious  exercises. 

He  was  admitted  to  the  monastic  habit  by  S.  Berno, 
Abbot  of  Beaume,  in  909.  The  monastery  of  Beaume 
stands  in  a  lonely  spot  among  barren  rocks  at  a  great 
height.  The  great  Abbey  of  Cluny  was  founded  by 
William,  Count  of  Auvergne,  in  910,  and  placed  in  the 
care  of  St.  Berno. 

In  927  St.  Odo  was  made  abbot  of  the  three  monas- 
teries of  Cluny,  Massay  and  Deols.  He  made  his  res- 
idence at  Cluny,  where  the  reputation  of  his  sanctity 
and  discipline  drew  to  his  house  many  illustrious  men. 

He  died  at  Tours  November  18,  942. 


143 


FOR  ST.  MARY  MAGDALENE 
Sum  mi  Parentis  Unice 

(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

JESUS,  sole  son  of  God  most  high, 
Look  on  our  souls  with  pitying  eye, 
Thou  who  didst  call  the  Magdalene 
To  holy  love  and  light  serene. 

The  coin  that  had  been  lost  and  mourned, 
Is  to  the  treasure  house  returned; 
New-found  and  cleansed,  thy  gem  divine 
Now  fairer  than  the  stars  outshine. 

Oh,  balm  of  every  wounded  heart, 
The  sorrowing  sinner's  hope  thou  art; 
Dear  Jesus,  by  sad  Mary's  tears, 
Wash  out  our  sins  and  chase  our  fears. 

Mother  of  God,  our  prayers  receive, 
All  weak  and  weeping  sons  of  Eve; 
Calm  by  thy  word  the  waves  of  strife, 
And  guide  us  to  the  port  of  life. 

Be  love  and  glory  evermore 
To  the  sole  God  whom  all  adore, 
Who  heals  us  by  his  plenteous  grace 
And  lifts  us  to  his  holy  place. 
H5 


ROBERT   L,   KING   OF   FRANCE 

Son  and  successor  of  Hugh  Capet,  Robert  I.  was  born 
at  Orleans  in  971,  and  died  at  Melun  in  1031.  He  is 
sometimes,  but  improperly,  cited  as  Robert  II.,  the  first 
of  that  name  being  taken  to  mean  Robert,  duke  of  France, 
who  died  in  923.     In  history  he  is  surnamed  the  Pious. 

While  wholly  different  from  his  warlike  father,  he 
lacked  neither  physical  advantages  nor  moral  virtues. 
He  was  said  to  be  versed  in  all  the  sciences,  a  good  phi- 
losopher, an  excellent  musician,  and  so  devoted  to  sacred 
literature  that  he  never  passed  a  day  without  reading 
the  Psalter. 

He  composed  several  hymns,  which  he  set  to  music 
and  deposited  upon  the  altar  of  St.  Peter,  while  on  a 
pilgrimage  to  Rome. 

The  following  hymn,  which  is  sung  in  the  Mass  for 
Whitsuntide,  is  known  as  the  "Golden  Sequence, "  and 
represents  the  transition  from  the  rhythmical  prose  of 
Notker  to  the  metrical  form.  It  is  one  of  the  most 
popular  of  the  hymns  of  the  Middle  Ages,  and  has  a 
place  among  the  seven  great  hymns. 


H7 


HYMN  FOR  WHITSUNDAY 
/  em  Sancte  Spintus 

HOLY  Spirit,  come  and  shine 
On  our  souls  with  light  divine, 
Warm  us  with  thy  rays  of  love; 
Come,  O  Father  of  the  poor, 
Make  thv  gifts  to  man  secure, 
Fire  our  bosoms  from  above. 

Tender  Comforter  and  best. 
Of  the  soul  most  precious  guest, 

Soother  of  all  trembling  fears, 
Rest  for  labour's  wearing  strains, 
Temperer  of  burning  pains, 

Solace  to  the  soul  in  tears. 

Holy  radiance,  most  benign! 
Into  every  bosom  shine 

With  the  blessed  light  of  faith; 
Without  thy  divinity 
Nothing  good  in  man  can  be, 

All  is  dark  and  worthy  death. 

Wash  away  whate  'er  is  vile, 
Make  our  souls  like  gardens  smile, 
Heal  all  bitter  wounds,  we  pray; 
149 


150  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Bend  our  stubborn  wills  to  thine, 
Melt  our  souls  with  love  divine, 
Guide  us  lest  we  go  astray. 

All  thy  sevenfold  gifts  impart 
Unto  every  faithful  heart 

Meekly  trusting  in  thy  love; 
Grant  that  without  sin  or  stain 
We  a  holy  death  may  gain, 

And  eternal  joy  above. 


HERMANN   CONTRACTUS 

The  son  of  the  Swabian  Count  Woltrat  of  \  oringen, 
Hermann  was  born  in  IOI3,  and  died  in  1054.  He  was 
surnamed  Contractus,  or  the  Lame,  on  account  of  a 
physical  defect. 

Educated  at  the  monastery  of  Reichenau,  and  after- 
ward admitted  as  a  member  of  the  fraternity,  he  added 
greatly  to  the  reputation  of  that  house,  which  had  been 
noted  for  its  learning  from  the  time  of  St.  Berno. 

He  is  famous  as  a  chronicler  of  his  time.  He  also 
devoted  himself  to  mathematics  and  music,  and  con- 
structed watches  and  instruments  of  various  kinds. 
He  wrote  a  number  of  hymns,  besides  producing  a 
didactic  poem  on  "The  eight  chief  vices/' 

The  "Alma  Redemptoris,,  and  the  beautiful  anthem 
"Salve  Regina,"  found  in  the  Roman  Breviary,  are  his, 
although  the  last  words  of  the  latter  were  added  by 
St.  Bernard  of  Clairvaux.  The  Vesper  hvmn,  "Ave 
Regina  Coelorum,"  is  probably  of  a  later  period. 


'51 


VESPER  HYMN  TO  THE  VIRGIN 
A 1 771  a  ReJemptoris  Mater 

(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

MOTHER  of  majesty, 
God's  love  adorning, 
Thou  that  hast  oped  for  man 

Heaven's  high  door, 
Star  of  the  ocean  wave, 
Gate  of  the  morning, 
Look  on  our  wanderings, 
Thee  we  implore. 

Born  without  stain  of  sin, 

Formed  for  the  Holy, 
Gabriel's  Ave  still 

Rises  to  thee. 
Virgin  and  Mother  pure, 

Tender  and  lowly, 
Hear  us  and  plead  for  us, 

Bowed  at  thy  knee. 

A  VESPER   PSALM 

Salve  Regtna 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

HAIL,  holy  queen, 
Mother  of  Mercy  sweet, 
Life  of  our  souls, 


154  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Our  hope,  our  refuge  be; 
Children  of  Eve, 

Bending  at  thy  dear  feet, 
Out  of  the  gloom, 

Tearful  we  cry  to  thee. 

Born  without  stain, 

Plead  for  our  souls  we  pray, 
Turn  unto  us 

Thy  pitying  eyes  of  love; 
So  while  our  lives 

Pass  from  the  earth  away, 
Bring  thou  our  souls 

Safe  to  thy  Son  above. 

O  clement  Maid, 

Merciful  advocate, 
Virgin,  most  sweet, 

Hear  thou  our  constant  prayer, 
Thee  do  we  call, 

Thou  that  art  heaven's  gate, 
Lift  up  our  hearts, 

Save  us  from  sin  and  care. 


HERMANN    CONTRACTUS 


'55 


H 


VESPER   HYMN 

Ave  Re  gin  a  Coclorum 
AIL,  thou  Virgin  Queen  of  Heaven, 


Mistress  unto  Angels  given, 
Root  of  Jesse,  golden  portal, 
Whence  was  poured  the  light  immortal. 

Holy  Virgin,  high  in  glory, 
Heaven  and  earth  shall  sing  thy  story, 
Heed  us,  mother,  bowed  before  thee, 
Plead  with  Jesus,  we  implore  thee. 


PIERRE  ABELARD 

Pierre  Abelard,  philosopher,  theologian  and  monk, 
was  born  near  Nantes  in  1079. 

His  false  doctrines  were  condemned  in  the  Council 
of  Soissons  in  1121  and  in  the  Council  of  Sens  in  1140. 
He  died  in  the  Abbey  of  St.  Marcel  in  1142. 


i57 


THE   EVERLASTING   SABBATH 

O  Quanta  Qualia 

OWHAT  a  blessed  state 
Is  that  sweet  Sabbath-time 
Which  the  saints  celebrate, 

High  in  the  halls  sublime, 
There,  for  the  weary,  rest, 

There  for  the  brave,  reward, 
Comes  to  the  spirits  blest, 
W  here  they  enjoy  the  Lord. 

Who  is  the  monarch  there  ? 

What  court  and  Kingly  throne  ? 
What  peace  untouched  by  care, 

What  wondrous  joy  is  shown  ? 
O  could  those  souls  above 

Bring  these  before  our  eyes, 
Raised  upon  wings  of  love 

We  would  the  world  despise. 

Truly  Jerusalem 

Call  we  that  blessed  shore, 
Vision  of  peace,  its  name, 

Glorious  evermore. 
Wish  and  fulfilment  there 

Ever  in  mercy  meet; 
i59 


l6o  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Instant  the  soul  in  prayer 
Finds  her  reward  complete. 

There  from  all  finite  ills 

Riseth  the  spirit  free, 
Singing  o'er  Sion's  hills 

One  endless  jubilee; 
And  everlastingly 

Thanks  for  the  gifts  of  grace 
Thy  people  bring  to  thee, 

Lord  in  thy  dwelling  place. 

There  an  unending  day 

Shines  for  all  souls  at  rest; 
Glories  ne'er  pass  away; 

Young  are  those  spirits  blest. 
Ceaseless  the  holy  song 

Choirs  of  the  ransomed  sing; 
We  too  shall  join  the  throng, 

Praising  the  Lord  our  King. 

Ours  is  the  duty  now 

Upward  our  souls  to  raise, 
Low  at  God's  altar  bow, 

Seek  him  through  love  and  praise. 
And  to  Jerusalem 

From  this  far  Babylon, 
Turn  with  increasing  flame, 

God's  peace  to  look  upon. 


PIERRE    at, I  LARD  l6l 

Praises  eternal  bloom, 

God,  for  thy  garland  fair, 
Through  whom,  and  out  of  whom 

And  in  whom  all  things  are. 
From  whom  —  is  God  the  Sire 

Through  whom  —  is  God  the  Son, 
In  whom  —  the  Heavenly  Fire  — 

Three  and  forever  one. 


THE   EVERLASTING   SABBATH 

(Another  Version) 

OWHAT  a  blessed  station, 
Sweet  goal  of  all  desires, 
That  everlasting  Sabbath 

Among  the  heavenly  choirs. 
There  rest  comes  to  the  weary, 

And  to  the  brave,  reward; 
For  there  the  ransomed  spirits 
Enjoy  their  living  Lord. 

Who  reigneth  there  as  monarch  ? 

What  court  and  Kingly  throne, 
What  peace  untouched  by  sorrow, 

What  wondrous  joy  is  shown  ? 
O,  could  the  holy  angels 

Bring  these  before  our  eyes, 
On  wings  of  love  borne  upward, 

Our  souls  would  earth  despise. 


l62  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Jerusalem,  most  truly 

We  call  that  blessed  shore; 
Of  peace  it  shines  a  vision 

In  glory  evermore. 
The  wish  and  its  fulfilment 

Meet  instant  in  the  prayer, 
Desiring  and  its  object 

Come  both  together  there. 

There  from  all  finite  evils 

The  spirit  riseth  free, 
And  o'er  the  hills  of  Sion 

Keeps  heavenly  jubilee. 
Lord,  everlasting  praises 

And  thanks  for  gifts  of  grace 
Rise  from  thy  ransomed  people 

Through  all  thy  dwelling  place. 

There  one  unending  Sabbath 

Shines  out  for  souls  at  rest; 
The  glow  of  youth  forever 

Adorns  the  spirits  blest. 
A  holy  song  and  ceaseless 

The  angel  choirs  outsing,  — 
O,  we  shall  join  that  singing, 

And  praise  the  Lord,  our  King. 

But  here  it  is  our  duty 

Our  souls  to  fire  and  raise; 
To  bow  before  God's  altar 


PIERRE    A  HI  I.ARI)  J'   j 

And  sing  his  love  and  praise; 
And  toward  the  heavenly  Sion, 
From  this  far  Babylon, 

Turn  home,  like  weary  exiles, 
God's  peace  to  look  upon. 

Let  everlasting  glory 

To  God  eternal  rise 
For  whom,  through  whom,  and  in  whom 

Are  earth  and  sea  and  skies; 
From  whom  —  is  God  the  Father, 

Through  whom  —  is  God  the  Son, 
In  whom  —  is  God  the  Spirit, 

Forever  Three  in  One. 


ST.   BERNARD  OF  CLAIRVAUX 

The  son  of  noble  Burgundian  parents,  Bernard  was 
born  at  Fontaines,  a  castle  near  Dijon,  in  109 1.  His 
mother,  a  woman  of  great   piety,  consecrated   him  to 

the  service  of  the  Church  as  soon  as  he  was  born,  and 
from  that  day  considered  him  as  not  belonging  to  her 
but  to  God. 

In  1 1 13  Bernard  with  his  brothers  and  nearly  thirty 
other  noblemen  and  gentlemen,' who  were  led  by  his 
example,  entered  the  monastery  of  Citeaux,  and  as- 
sumed the  monastic  habit  in  the  following  year. 

On  account  of  the  great  progress  he  had  made  in  the 
spiritual  life,  Bernard  was  appointed  abbot,  and  ordered 
to  go  with  twelve  monks,  among  whom  were  his  brothers, 
to  found  a  new  house  in  the  diocese  of  Langres.  They 
walked  in  procession,  singing  psalms,  with  the  new 
abbot  leading,  and  settled  in  a  desert  called  the  Valley 
of  Wormwood. 

With  wonderful  skill  and  industry  the  new  monastery 
was  established;  and  in  a  short  time  the  reputation  of 
the  house  and  of  the  sanctity  of  the  abbot  became  so 
great  that  the  number  of  monks  in  it  amounted  to  one 
hundred  and  twenty,  and  the  people  changed  the  name 
of  the  place  to  Clairvaux,  or  the  Valley  of  Light.  This 
famous  monastery  was  founded  in  11 15. 

St.  Bernard  was  particularly  devoted  to  the  Blessed 
165 


l66  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Virgin.  In  one  of  his  missions  into  Germany,  in  the 
great  church  at  Spire,  he  repeated  as  in  a  rapture,  "O 
Clemens!  O  Pia,  O  Dulcis  Virgo  Maria!"  and  these 
words  the  church  added  to  the  anthem  "Salve  Regina." 

As  to  his  poetical  writings  St.  Bernard  has  been  called 
the  father,  in  Latin  hymnody,  of  that  warm  and  passion- 
ate form  of  devotion  which  seems  to  apply  the  language 
of  human  affection  to  divine  objects.  This  tendency 
has  become  very  popular  both  in  Catholic  and  Protes- 
tant churches. 

Erasmus  characterizes  St.  Bernard  as  "cheerful, 
pleasant  and  vehement  in  moving  the  passions."  He 
is  counted  among  the  ablest  doctors  of  the  church. 
After  a  life  of  wonderful  activity  and  good  works  he 
died  on  August  20,  1153,  and  was  buried  before  Our 
Lady's  altar  at  Clairvaux. 

The  following  hymns  are  all  taken  from  a  poem  of 
fifty  four-line  stanzas.  The  first  three  are  used  in  the 
Roman  Breviary  for  the  office  of  the  most  Holy  Name 
of  Jesus,  the  Second  Sunday  after  Epiphany.  The  last 
hymn  is  an  entirely  new  cento. 


VESPER   HYMN  TO  JESUS 
Jesu  Dulcis  MimoriQ 

JESUS,  thy  memory  divine 
To  every  heart  is  heavenly  wine; 
But  sweetness  more  than  sweetest  things 
Thy  presence  in  the  bosom  brings. 

Such  gladness  ne'er  hath  poet  sung. 
Such  joy  ne'er  pleasured  ear  or  tongue, 
To  man  no  dream,  so  sweet  e'er  came, 
Dear  Son  of  God,  as  thy  blest  name. 

True  hope  of  all  repenting  hearts, 
What  tender  joy  thy  love  imparts! 
Thou  givest  thy  seekers  here  below 
Such  bliss  as  only  they  can  know. 

O  Lord,  if  we  but  claim  thy  love, 
Our  souls  are  lighted  from  above, 
And  feel  such  wondrous  happiness 
As  tongue  or  pen  can  ne'er  express. 

Be  still  our  joy  and  stay,  dear  Lord, 
Our  guide,  our  hope,  our  sweet  reward; 
Let  praise  and  love  and  glory  be 
Sung  to  thy  name  eternally. 
167 


l68  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

HYMN  TO  THE  HOLY  NAME,  FOR  MATINS 

Jesu  Rex  Admirabilis 

O  JESUS,  admirable  King, 
Whose  love  did  our  salvation  bring, 
To  sing  thy  praise  needs  tongue  of  fire; 
Our  joy,  our  hope,  our  whole  desire. 

When  thou  art  present  in  the  breast, 
It  shines  with  radiance  true  and  blest, 
The  world's  vain  glories  fade  away, 
And  love  illumines  like  the  day. 

Our  hearts  with  love  thy  law  controls, 
O  Fount  of  life  and  Light  of  souls; 
Thou  fill  'st  the  breast  with  such  pure  joy, 
All  earthly  pleasures  pale  and  cloy. 

How  showers  thy  sweetness  from  above! 

Let  every  soul  desire  thy  love; 

Let  every  bosom  burn  to  feel 

The  wondrous  joys  thy  laws  reveal. 

To  thee,  O  Lord,  our  songs  we  raise; 
Let  all  our  works  express  thy  praise; 
Thee  shall  our  prostrate  hearts  adore 
In  tender  love  forevermore. 


ST.    BERNARD   OF   CLAIRVAUX  169 

MORNING   HYMN   TO  JESUS 
jesu  Decus  Angelicum 

O  JESUS,  joy  of  angel  choirs! 
Thy  name  is  all  the  soul  desires; 
Unto  the  tongue  a  taste  divine 
That  soothes  like  draft  of  heavenly  wine. 

Who  tasteth,  hungers  e'er  for  thee, 
Who  drinketh,  thirsts  most  yearningly, 
Who  knoweth,  burns  with  holy  fire, 
Thou  fount  of  love,  our  sole  desire. 

Jesus,  my  best  of  bliss  thou  art, 
The  hope  that  cheers  my  sighing  heart; 
W7ith  tears  of  guilt  I  bow  the  knee 
And  send  repenting  cries  to  thee. 

Remain  with  us,  dear  Lord,  and  shine 
Upon  our  souls  with  light  divine; 
Drive  every  evil  cloud  away 
And  bring  the  sweetness  of  thy  day. 

Flower  of  the  Virgin  Mother  blest, 
The  love  of  every  loving  breast, 
Honour  and  praise  and  blessing  be 
To  thy  sweet  name  eternally. 


170  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

HYMN  TO  THE  SAVIOUR 

Jesu    Mi    Bone,    Sentiam 

O  TENDER  Jesus,  let  me  feel 
Thy  love  with  ever  growing  zeal, 
And  by  thy  presence  bring  to  me 
The  power  thy  glorious  truths  to  see. 

Upon  my  lonely  couch  at  night 
Thy  love  shall  fill  my  heart  with  light; 
In  crowded  throngs,  or  all  alone 
I'll  seek  the  glory  of  thy  throne. 

As  Mary  sought  thee  at  the  tomb, 
So  in  the  morn  to  thee  I'll  come; 
And  worship  with  that  warm  desire 
Which  lights  the  soul  with  living  fire. 

Upon  the  ground  my  tears  shall  flow, 
Thy  wTounds  shall  bow  my  head  in  woe; 
While  prostrate  at  thy  sacred  feet, 
I'll  cling  to  thee  in  love  complete. 

I  '11  follow  where  thy  steps  have  trod, 
And  kiss  with  tears  the  sacred  sod; 
That  in  thy  love  my  soul  shall  live, 
That  grace  and  favour  thou  may'st  give. 


THOMAS  OF  CELANO 

Very  little  is  known  of  the  author  of  the  Dies  Irae, 
in  many  respects,  the  greatest  of  all  hymns.  Even  his 
family  is  wholly  unknown.  He  takes  his  name  from 
Celano,  a  small  towTn  in  the  Abruzzo  Ulteriore.  He 
was  born  probably  near  the  end  of  the  twelfth  century 
and  died  about  1255. 

He  was  one  of  the  early  disciples  of  St.  Francis  of 
Assisi,  and  held  the  office  of  Gustos  in  various  Fran- 
ciscan houses  from  1221  to  the  time  of  his  death. 

He  wrote  a  biography  of  St.  Francis,  wThich  is  incor- 
porated in  the  Acta  Sanctorum. 

His  famous  hymn  has  been  translated  into  nearly  all 
civilized  languages,  and  received  no  less  than  150  Eng- 
lish renderings,  and  at  least  100  German  translations. 
Scott  has  made  an  imitation  of  a  part  of  it  in  the  Lay  of 
the  Last  Minstrel,  and  Goethe  in  Faust  has  made  use 
of  several  lines. 

It  has  been  very  popular  with  the  musicians.  It  is 
one  of  the  few  poems,  which,  like  music,  conveys  to 
the  hearer  who  is  ignorant  of  the  language,  a  general 
idea  of  its  meaning. 

It  has  a  prominent  place  among  the  seven  great 
hymns  of  the  mediaeval  church. 


171 


THE   LAST  JUDGMENT 

Dies  Irae 

DAY  of  ire,  that  direful  day! 
Earth  in  fire  shall  pass  away, 
As  both  saint  and  Sibyl  say. 

How  the  guilty  world  shall  quake, 
When  the  Judge  his  seat  shall  take, 
Sentence  swift  and  sure  to  make. 

Then  the  trump  with  wondrous  tone, 
Sounding  through  the  graveyards  lone, 
All  shall  force  before  the  throne. 

Death  and  nature,  wondering,  see 
How  the  dead,  arising,  flee 
Swift  to  hear  the  dread  decree. 

Forth  the  written  book  is  brought, 
Bearing  every  deed  and  thought, 
Whence  reward  and  doom  are  sought. 

So  before  the  Judge  full  plain 
Shall  appear  each  hidden  stain; 
Unavenged  shall  nought  remain. 
i73 


174  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

What  shall  be  my  woful  plaint  ? 
Whither  seek  a  saving  saint, 
When  the  just  with  fear  are  faint  ? 

King  of  mighty  majesty, 
Saving  free  who  saved  would  be, 
Fount  of  pity,  save  thou  me. 

Jesus,  think  of  me,  I  pray, 

Me,  who  caused  thy  crucial  way, 

Lest  thou  lose  me  on  that  day. 

Seeking  me  in  wearing  pain, 
Sorrows  sharing,  thou  wert  slain,  — 
Be  such  labours  not  in  vain. 

Righteous  and  avenging  King, 
Of  my  sins  remission  bring, 
Ere  the  day  of  reckoning. 

Bowed  in  grief  upon  the  sod, 
Flushed  with  guilt,  I  feel  the  rod,  — 
Spare  thy  supplicant,  O  God. 

Who  from  sin  didst  Mary  free, 
And  the  thief  upon  the  tree, 
Thou  hast  given  hope  to  me. 

Without  worth  are  prayers  of  mine; 
Turn  to  me  thy  face  divine, 
Lest  in  endless  fire  I  pine. 


j  hum  \s   01    (  ii  ANO 

Give  me  grace,  0  God,  to  stand 
With  the  sheep  on  thy  right  hand, 
Guarded  from  the  cursed  band. 

\\  hen  the  wicked  in  defeat. 

Fast  in  flames  thy  judgment  meet, 

Call  me  home  with  blessings  sweet. 

Humbled  down  to  earth  in  prayer, 
\\  ith  a  contrite  heart,  I  dare 
Beg,  O  Father,  for  thy  care. 

Day  of  weeping,  day  of  sighs, 
When  from  ruin  shall  arise 
Guilty  man,  with  soul  laid  bare, 
Spare  him,  Lord,  in  mercy  spare! 
Gentle  Jesus,  with  the  blest 
Grant  the  faithful  endless  rest. 


'o 


ST.  BOXAVENTURE 

THE  great  light  and  ornament  of  the  Order  of  St. 
Francis,  and  known  to  the  Church  as  the  Seraphic 
Doctor,  St.  Bonaventure  was  born  at  Bagnarea  in  Tus- 
cany in  the  year  1221.  He  was  given  the  name  of  John 
in  baptism,  but  received  the  name  Bonaventure  by  rea- 
son of  his  recovery  from  a  severe  and  dangerous  illness, 
which  recovery  his  mother  believed  to  be  due  to  the 
intercession  of  St.  Francis  of  Assisi.  The  great  saint, 
seeing  the  child  raised  from  his  sickness,  and  seeming 
to  have  a  prophetic  vision  of  his  future  greatness,  cried 
out  in  rapture,  "O  buona  ventura,"  O  happy  chance. 

The  devout  mother  in  gratitude  consecrated  the  child 
to  God,  and  always  afterward  he  bore  the  name  of 
Bonaventure. 

When  twenty-two  years  of  age  he  entered  the  order 
of  St.  Francis  at  Rome.  He  studied  at  Paris  under 
famous  teachers,  and  soon  became  a  masterful  proficient 
in  scholastic  philosophy  and  in  the  most  sublime  parts 
of  theology.  St.  Thomas  Aquinas  is  said  to  have  visited 
him  one  day  and  asked  him  in  what  books  he  had 
learned  his  sacred  science.  St.  Bonaventure  pointed  to 
his  crucifix  and  said:  "This  is  the  source  of  all  my 
knowledge.  I  study  only  Jesus  Christ  and  him 
crucified. " 

He  became  general  of  the  order  of  St.  Francis  in  1256, 
although  he  accepted  the  office  with  great  fear  and  reluct- 

m 


I78  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

ance.  At  the  time  of  his  election  there  was  consider- 
able division  of  sentiment  among  the  friars  of  the  order 
on  the  question  of  discipline.  As  soon  as  the  young 
general  appeared  among  them  all  trouble  at  once  van- 
ished and  a  wonderful  condition  of  peace  and  charity 
grew  up  in  the  order. 

He  was  taken  ill  at  the  Council  of  Lyons,  and  died 
in  that  city  July  14,  1274,  in  the  fifty-third  year  of  his 
age. 


THE    PASSION'   OF   OUR   LORD 

In  P  (is  si  our  Dornini 

LORD,  thy  death  upon  the  tree 
Brings  uplifting  thoughts  to  me, 
Calm  of  mind  and  holy  fire, 
Love  of  God  and  pure  desire. 

O  to  bear  in  memory 
All  thy  grief  and  obloquy, 
Holy  Christ,  thy  thorny  wreath, 
Spear  and  nails  and  crucial  death! 

All  these  blessed  wounds  of  thine, 
\\  itness  of  thy  love  divine, 
Cruel  scourging  and  distress, 
O  the  mortal  bitterness! 

Lord,  the  thought  is  of  such  dole, 
So  intoxicates  the  soul, 
That  we  bow  in  tearful  prayers; 
But  what  glorious  fruit  it  bears! 

Low,  before  thee,  Crucified, 
Sink  all  selfishness  and  pride; 
Loud  to  thee,  dear  Christ,  we  cry; 
Join  us  with  thy  saints  on  high. 


l8o  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Honour,  praise  and  glory  bring 
Unto  Jesus,  heavenly  King, 
Who,  all  pure  and  faultless,  gave 
His  sweet  life  our  lives  to  save. 


ON  THE   HOLY  CROSS 

Recordare  Sanctae  Cruets 

WOULD'ST  thou  dwell  in  joy  abounding, 
All  thy  life  with  light  surrounding, 
Make  the  cross  thy  constant  care; 
On  the  rood  of  thy  Redeemer 
Be  thy  soul  an  ardent  dreamer, 
Bear  it  with  thee  everywhere. 

Be  thou  toiling,  be  thou  sleeping, 
Be  thou  smiling,  be  thou  weeping, 

Deep  in  grief  or  ecstasy; 
Be  thou  coming,  be  thou  going, 
Pale  with  pain,  with  pleasure  glowing, 

Let  the  cross  thy  comrade  be. 

Every  sin  and  every  sorrow, 
Every  ill  that  life  can  borrow, 

In  the  cross  will  gain  surcease; 
In  the  cross,  though  sore  and  grieving, 
He  that  humbly  seeks  relieving, 

Findeth  refuge,  findeth  peace. 


ST.    BONAVENTURE  1S1 

'Tis  the  open  door  of  heaven, 
Whence  the  streaming  light  was  given 
To  the  Saints  to  conqiu  r  shan 

'Tis  the  world's  eternal  heal 
Whence  the  Lord,  his  mercies  dealing, 
Worketh  wonders  to  his  name. 

Health  of  souls,  salvation's  portal, 
Guiding  light  to  bliss  immortal, 

Charm  to  soothe  the  hardened  heart; 
Life  of  saints  in  benediction, 
Treasure  house  of  all  perfection, 

Fraught  with  living  joy  thou  art. 

Virtue's  glass  and  manhood's  mirror, 
Leader  guiding  souls  from  error, 

Hope  of  all  who  hold  the  faith; 
To  the  bold  in  Christ  a  glory, 
As  the  symbol  and  the  stoiy. 

Of  their  war  on  sin  and  death. 

'Tis  the  tree  of  holy  seeming 

Through  the  blood  of  Christ,  and  teeming 

With  that  fruit,  the  food  of  might, 
Which  to  struggling  souls  has  given 
Strength  to  climb  the  hills  of  Heaven, 

Out  of  darkness  into  light. 

Saviour,  on  the  cross  extended, 
Be  my  soul  with  grace  amended, 


1 82  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Evermore  to  mourn  thy  pain; 
Feel  the  tortures  that  efface  thee, 
And  with  prostrate  soul  embrace  thee, 

On  the  cross  where  thou  art  slain. 


ST.  THOMAS   AQUINAS 

St.  Thomas  AQUINAS,  the  great  Dominican,  known 
in  the  Church  as  the  Angelic  Doctor,  was  horn  of  a  royal 
family,  at  Belcastro,  the  seat  of  his  father,  Landulf, 
Count  of  Aquino,  in  the  kingdom  of  Naples,  near  the 
end  of  1226. 

He  received  his  elementary  education  at  the  Mon- 
astery of  Casino,  after  which  he  spent  six  years  at  the 
University  of  Naples,  lea\ing  that  institution  in  his 
sixteenth  year.  Thomas  was  the  admiration  of  his 
whole  family.  It  is  said  that  the  serenity  of  his  counte- 
nance, the  constant  evenness  of  his  temper,  his  modesty 
and  sweetness  made  him  remarkable  among  the  youths 
of  his  time. 

He  learned  rhetoric  under  Peter  Martin,  and  philos- 
ophy under  Peter  of  Hibernia,  one  of  the  most  learned 
men  of  his  age.  His  progress  in  these  studies  was  so 
remarkable  that  he  repeated  the  lessons,  which  were 
then  given  in  the  form  of  lectures,  more  clearly  than  the 
masters  had  explained  them. 

The  order  founded  by  St.  Dominic,  who  had  then 
but  recently  died,  abounded  with  men  of  great  spiritual 
force.  Thomas  became  seized  with  an  ardent  desire 
to  join  the  order.  But  his  family  bitterly  opposed  his 
choice  of  a  profession,  and  even  persecuted  the  young 
man  for  about  two  years.     He  was  finally  allowed,  hov 

"«3 


184  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

ever,  through  the  influence  of  Pope  Innocent  IV.,  to  as- 
sume the  habit.  The  general  of  the  order,  John  the 
Teutonic,  took  the  saint  to  Paris  and  then  to  Cologne 
where  Albertus  Magnus,  the  most  famous  teacher  of 
his  age,  lectured  on  philosophy  and  theology. 

Thomas  soon  became  the  most  illustrious  teacher  of 
his  order.  Pope  Urban  IV.  in  1261  called  him  to  Rome, 
and  he  was  appointed  to  teach  in  that  city.  The  Pope 
pressed  him  to  accept  an  archbishopric,  but  Thomas 
declined  the  appointment. 

While  in  Rome  he  compiled,  at  the  request  of  Urban, 
the  office  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament,  which  the  church 
uses  to  the  present  day  on  the  feast  and  during  the  Octave 
of  Corpus  Christi.  The  following  hymns  were  written 
for  that  purpose.  The  hymn  "Adoro  Te  Devote," 
and  "O  Esca  Viatorum,"  are  used  chiefly  for  private 
devotions.  The  two  final  stanzas  of  each  of  the  first 
two  hymns  are  now  used  as  separate  hymns  at  the 
Benediction  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament. 

He  died  while  on  his  way  to  attend  the  Council  of 
Lyons,  March  7,  1274,  and  was  canonized  by  Pope 
John  XXII.  in  1323. 


HYMN  FOR  THE   BLESSED  SACRAMENT 
/  <rbum  Supernum  Prodiens 

(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

THE  word  at  God's  right  hand  came  forth, 
And  shining  still  as  God  on  high, 
Descended  to  the  gloom  of  earth, 

For  man's  redemption  doomed  to  die. 

Betrayed  by  one  he  loved,  and  led 

To  cruel  death  at  treason's  hand, 
Upon  that  latest  eve,  he  fed 

With  his  own  flesh  the  chosen  band. 

He  giveth  in  its  twofold  kind 

The  saving  flesh,  the  cleansing  blood, 

That  every  man  his  love  may  find, 
And  fill  his  soul  with  heavenly  food. 

Born  man,  he  makes  himself  our  kin, 

He  gives  his  body  at  the  board, 
He  dies  and  is  the  price  of  sin, 

He  reigns,  and  is  our  sweet  reward. 

O  Fount  of  Life!  O  Saving  Host, 

That  heaven's  high  door  hast  open  laid, 

War  presses  hard,  our  hope  is  lost 

Without  thy  strength  and  powerful  aid. 

'8.5 


l86  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Omnipotent  Triunity, 

To  thee  be  endless  glory  given; 
Grant  us  eternal  life  with  thee 

In  our  sweet  fatherland  of  heaven. 


THE  NEW  PASCH 

Pange  Lingua 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

SING,  my  tongue,  the  saving  story, 
Earth's  redeeming  mystery  sing; 
Sing  the  blood,  that  fount  of  glory, 

Shed  by  man's  all  gracious  King,  — 
Blessed  be  the  womb  that  bore  thee, 
Thou,  that  earnest,  our  hope  to  bring. 

Given  while  yet  the  young  creation 
Sang  with  all  the  stars  of  morn, 

Jesus  came  for  our  salvation, 
From  a  stainless  virgin  born; 

And  his  closing  ordination 

Doth  the  world  with  love  adorn. 

At  the  paschal  table  leaning 
He,  beside  his  chosen  band,  — 

Words  of  wonder  intervening, 

While  he  closed  the  law's  command  — 

Kept  the  pasch  with  newer  meaning, 
Gave  himself  with  his  own  hand. 


ST.     THOMAS     \m|    :  187 

By  his  word  the  bread  he  breaketh 

To  bis  \n\'  flesh  he  turns; 
In  the  chalice  which  he  taketh, 

Man  the  cleansing  blood  discerns,  — 
Faith  to  loving  bosoms  maketh 

Clear  the  mystic  truth  she  learns. 

Let  us  then  this  rite  of  wonder 

With  our  prostrate  souls  adore; 
Let  each  ancient  law  surrender 

To  the  Christ  forevermore, 
To  the  Saviour  sweet  and  tender, 

Fount  of  grace,  of  love  the  store. 

To  the  Father's  glory  leading, 

Sound  the  holy  jubilee; 
To  the  Son,  our  sorrows  heeding, 

Sing  the  love  that  made  us  free, 
To  the  Lord  from  both  proceeding 

Let  the  selfsame  praises  be. 


MORNING    HYMN    FOR    CORPUS    CHRISTI 

Sacris  Solemnns 
(From  the  Roman  Breviary) 

LET  joy  abound  with  us  on  every  side, 
The  sacred  feast  proclaiming  far  and  wide; 
Come,  let  our  souls,  renewed  in  love,  arise, 
In  thought,  word,  action,  purged  and  purified. 


155  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

We  celebrate  the  supper  of  that  night, 

When  Christ  himself,  the  Lord  of  love  and  light, 

Lamb  and  unleavened  bread,  gave  to  the  twelve 
His  body,  and  fulfilled  the  ancient  rite. 

Our  souls  in  joy  receive  his  solemn  word,  — 
The  Lamb  of  God,  the  Bread  of  Life,  the  Lord, 

His  body  brake  and  gave  to  each  and  all,  — 
God's  flesh  by  God's  hand  given  at  the  Board. 

Thus  breaking  to  the  sorrowing  ones  the  bread, 
He  took  and  blessed  the  chalice,  and  he  said: 

"Take  ye  the  cup  and  drink;  this  is  my  blood, 
That  unto  man's  redemption  shall  be  shed." 

So  did  the  Christ  the  sacrifice  ordain, 
And  gave  his  priests  the  duty  to  maintain 

The  rite;  'tis  theirs  alone  to  take  and  give 
That  love  that  ever  shall  with  man  remain. 

The  bread  of  angels  is  to  man  restored; 
All  figures  end  in  heaven's  sublime  reward; 

O  wondrous  thought!  the  poor,  the  weak,  the  low 
Feast  on  the  body  of  the  living  Lord. 

Thou  triune  Deity,  to  thee  we  pray, 
Honoured  upon  the  altar  day  by  day, 

Visit  our  souls,  and  by  thy  holy  light 
Lead  us  to  heaven,  and  be  thy  paths  our  wTay. 


ST.    THOMAS    .y  >l    [NA8  189 

HYMN  FOR   PRIVATE  MEDITATION 
Adoro  1 1  Devote 

DEVOUTLY  I  adore  thee,  O  my  Lord, 
Who  art  concealed  in  figures  at  the  board; 
To  thee  my  heart  bows  down  in  voiceless  faith; 
I  see  thee  not,  but  I  believe  thy  word. 

Sight,  touch  and  taste  are  easily  deceived; 
Thy  word  alone  can  safely  be  believed; 

I  grant,  O  Son  of  God,  whate'er  to  me 
Thou  sayest;  in  thee  have  I  all  faith  achieved. 

Upon  the  cross  was  thy  divinity 
Concealed,  nor  here  thy  human  form  we  see, 
Yet  I,  in  faith  confessing,  seek  thee,  Lord, 
Like  the  repentant  thief  upon  the  tree. 

I  do  not  ask,  as  Thomas  did,  dear  Lord, 
To  see  thy  wounds;  sufficient  is  thy  w7ord; 

O,  fill  my  soul  with  firmer  faith,  that  still 
In  hope  and  love  with  thee  it  may  accord. 

O  sweet  memorial  of  the  Saviour's  death, 

True  bread  that  bring'st  to  man  the  living  breath, 

Grant  that  my  soul  thy  holy  law  may  know, 
And  live  with  thee  in  everlasting  faith. 

A  pitying  pelican,  dear  Jesus,  be; 

Save  by  the  blood  thou  sheddest  on  the  tree, 


IQO  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

My  starving  soul,  —  thy  precious  blood,  whereof 
One  drop  from  every  crime  the  world  can  free. 

Jesus,  whom  here  in  figures  I  behold, 
I  hunger  for  the  time  to  see  unrolled 

The  veil  from  thy  sweet  features;  let  me  be 
Blest  with  the  vision  in  thy  halls  of  gold. 


HYMN  FOR   HOLY  COMMUNION 

O  Esca  Viatorum 

OFOOD  of  life  eternal! 
O  bread  of  choirs  supernal! 
O  manna  from  on  high! 
Fill  all  that  hunger  for  thee; 
To  seekers,  who  adore  thee, 
Thy  sweetness  ne'er  deny. 

We  seek  thy  holy  dwelling, 
O  fount  of  love,  outwelling 

From  Jesus'  tender  heart; 
Lord,  bring  thy  cup  of  healing 
To  all  before  thee  kneeling; 

Our  hope,  our  life  thou  art. 

O  Jesus,  Saviour  tender, 
To  thee,  the  Bread,  we  render 
All  reverence  and  all  love; 


ST.    THOMAS    A'.jl    INA8  I  (;  I 

Lord,  lead  our  lives  before  thee, 

To  sec  thee  and  adore  thee 

In  vision  clear  above. 

SEQUENCE   FOR   CORPUS  CHRISTI 

Laud  a  Si  on 

SING  aloud,  O  Sion,  praising 
Christ,  thy  Royal  Shepherd,  raising 
Hymns  of  love  and  songs  of  joy; 
Let  the  music  sound  forever, 
Never  ceasing,  tiling  never, 

All  thy  powers  of  praise  employ. 

Lo,  the  theme  of  all  thanksgiving, 
Vivifying  bread  and  living, 

On  the  holy  altar  shown! 
Yea,  the  selfsame  bread  of  heaven, 
At  the  sacred  supper  given 

To  the  twelve  by  Christ  the  Son. 

Sing  aloud  in  song  sonorous, 
Sing  his  praise  in  swelling  chorus, 

Sing  in  love  and  sweet  accord; 
Men  of  every  race  and  nation 
Hold  the  feast  of  Christ's  creation, 

Founded  by  his  holy  word. 

Lo,  the  King  upon  his  table 
Lays  a  pasch  more  new  and  stable, 
Ending  every  ancient  rite; 


I92  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Older  laws  give  place  to  newer, 
Shadows  fly,  and  worship  truer 
Cometh  with  the  wondrous  light. 

And  to-day,  as  Christ  ordaineth, 
To  his  memory  still  remaineth 

Joy,  descending  from  above, 
Still  remain  for  our  salvation 
Bread  and  wine  in  consecration, 

Making  earth  a  home  of  love. 

To  the  faithful  Jesus  giveth, 

In  his  love,  this  truth  that  liveth,  — 

To  his  blood  is  changed  the  wine; 
Bread  unto  his  body  turneth; 
Man  by  living  faith  discerneth 

All  the  mystery  divine. 

Here,  two  different  species  under, 
Hides  in  signs  awaking  wonder, 

Christ's  best  gift,  most  excellent,  — 
From  his  flesh  and  blood  he  giveth 
Food  and  drink;  in  each  he  liveth 

Whole  within  the  sacrament. 

Never  by  partaking  groweth 
Less  the  gift  which  he  bestoweth, 

Comes  to  all  the  sweet  reward; 
\\  hether  single  or  in  union, 
Few  or  thousands  at  Communion, 

Every  soul  receives  the  Lord. 


ST.    Thomas   AQUINAS  I93 

And  the  good  and  had  receive  him, 
They  who  doubt  and  who  believe  him; 

But  with  what  a  different  end! 
To  the  worthy  soul,  salvation; 

To  the  impenitent,  damnation, — 
Death  to  foe  and  life  to  friend. 

Though  the  sacrament  ye  sever 
Into  fragments,  fear  ye  never, 
In  each  part  remaineth  ever 

What  the  whole  contained  before; 
In  the  sign  alone  obtaineth 
Change;  but  as  the  Lord  ordaineth, 
He,  the  Signified,  remaineth 

Whole  and  perfect  evermore. 

Lo,  the  bread  of  angels,  bearing 
Strength  to  souls  in  sorrow  wearing, 
With  the  sons  of  mercy  sharing, 

Not  the  unregenerate; 
Food  prefigured  and  foretold  in 
Sacred  signs  and  symbols  olden, 
Bringing  unto  man  the  golden 

Hour  of  glory  consecrate. 

Gentle  Jesus,  Shepherd  tender, 
Bread  of  life,  in  mercy  render 
Peace,  and  blessed  hope  engender; 
Saviour  be  our  sure  defender, 
Make  us  worthy  of  thy  love; 


194  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Thou  all-knowing  and  all-heeding 
Save  thy  flock  with  care  and  feeding; 
Let  us  follow  in  thy  leading, 
Hear  us  in  our  earnest  pleading, 
Guide  us  to  the  fold  above. 


JACOPONE   DA   TODI 

Jacopone  da  Todi,  or  as  he  is  often  called  Jacopo 
dei  Benedetti,  was  born  of  a  noble  family,  at  Todi  in 
Umbria,  in  the  early  part  of  the  thirteenth  century,  and 
died,  it  is  said,  at  about  the  age  of  ninety  years,  in  1306. 

In  his  early  life  he  was  a  humourist  and  satirist,  and 
wras  not  particularly  attached  to  the  moral  virtues.  He 
married  a  woman  said  to  be  noted  for  her  virtue  and 
beauty,  whose  death  was  caused  by  the  falling  of  a 
stage  at  a  public  show7.  On  removing  her  garments 
she  was  found  to  wear  sackcloth  next  her  skin  for  pen- 
ance. 

Jacopone  forsook  the  world  immediately  upon  the 
death  of  his  wife,  and  spent  the  remainder  of  his  long 
life  as  a  Franciscan  friar,  writing  during  his  spare  time 
many  spiritual  songs  and  hymns.  He  is  said  to  have 
been  a  friend  of  Dante.  Little  besides  the  following 
hymn  remains  of  his  work.  This  hymn  has  been  ascribed 
to  others,  even  Mone  and  Wackernagle  believing  that  a 
portion  of  it  was  written  by  Pope  Innocent  III.,  who 
died  in  1216,  and  that  Jacopone  only  supplemented  and 
brought  to  its  present  form  the  more  crude  production 
of  Innocent. 

This  hymn  is  counted  among  the  seven  great  hymns, 
and  deservedly  so.  But  another  hymn  called  the  Mater 
Speciosa,  which  is  a  mere  parody,  has  also  been  ranked 

*95 


I96  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

in  the  same  class,  and  attributed  to  Jacopone.  The 
Mater  Speciosa  is  far  from  great,  and  there  is  no  satis- 
factory proof  that  it  is  by  Jacopone.  It  is  certainly 
entirely  unworthy  of  the  author  of  the  Mater  Dolorosa, 
which  has  well  been  called  "the  most  pathetic  of  all 
hymns." 


THE  SORROWFUL   MOTHER 
it  Mater  Dole 

WAITING  by  the  cross  atoning 
Stood  the  woful  mother  moaning, 
Tearful  near  her  dying  Son; 
Through  her  gentle  soul,  unfailing 
In  her  sympathy  and  wailing, 
Passed  the  sword  of  Simeon. 

Never  'neath  such  woes  another 
Bowed,  as  did  that  blessed  mother 

Of  the  sole-born  Son  and  Lord; 
Who  while  keeping  watch  unsleeping, 
Tender  mother,  'mid  her  weeping, 

Bore  the  pangs  of  her  adored. 

Lives  there  one  can  see  untearful 
Christ's  fond  mother,  in  such  fearful 

Torments,  grieving  all  alone  ? 
Lives  there  one  whose  heart  with  anguish 
Fills  not,  thus  to  see  her  languish, 

Agonizing  with  her  Son. 

For  the  guilt  that  doomed  his  nation 
Saw7  she  Jesus  in  prostration 

'Neath  the  scourges  meekly  bent; 
■97 


I98  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Saw  her  precious  Son  forsaken, 
Spurned,  defied,  in  torture  shaken, 
While  his  spirit  forth  he  sent. 

Mother,  fount  of  love  and  sorrow, 
Grant  to  me  the  power  to  borrow 

Grief,  that  I  may  weep  with  thee; 
Grant  that  in  my  burning  bosom 
Love  for  Christ  the  Lord  shall  blossom 

As  to  him  shall  pleasing  be. 

Mother,  every  wound  and  tremor 
Of  the  crucified  Redeemer, 

Firmly  fasten  in  my  soul; 
Every  shame  which  thou  art  sharing, 
O,  divide  with  me  unsparing,  — 

Every  pang  and  pain  and  dole. 

Grant  that  I  my  tears  may  mingle 
With  thine  own  in  sorrow  single, 

Weeping  with  the  Crucified; 
Near  the  Cross  beside  thee  kneeling, 
Fill  my  soul  with  love  and  feeling, 

Worthy  in  thy  love  to  bide. 

Virgin  of  all  virgins  fairest, 

Share  with  me  the  pains  thou  bearest, 

Be  thy  crushing  sorrows  mine; 
Be  the  Saviour's  cross  my  burden, 
Be  his  bitter  grief  my  guerdon; 

Be  my  feelings  blent  with  thine. 


JA(  OPONE    DA   TOD1  I  99 

By  his  wounds,  let  me  be  riven, 
By  Ins  cross  to  rapture  driven; 

Be  his  blood  a  cleansing  fire; 
Be  that  fire  to  me  extended, 
Virgin,  by  thy  love  defended, 

In  the  dreadful  day  of  ire. 

When  mv  soul  shall  he  upyielded, 
Bv  thy  Virgin  Mother  shielded, 

Saviour,  grant  the  victory; 
When  by  death  my  frame  is  broken, 
Then  unto  my  soul  be  spoken 

\\  ords  of  endless  peace  with  thee. 


THOMAS   a    KEMPIS 

Thomas    HAMMERCHEN,  the  son   of  a    poor  peasant, 

was  the  real  name  of  the  author  of  "  The  Imitation  of 
Christ."  He  was  horn  in  [380  in  the  town  of  Hempen, 
between  the  Rhine  and  the  Meuse,  in  the  archdiocese  of 
Cologne.      Hence  the  name   a   Kcmpis. 

He  became  a  monk:  of  the  Augustinian  Order,  and 
devoted  his  long  life,  outside  of  the  time  spent  in  his 
religious  exercises,  to  copving  manuscripts,  writing 
chronicles,  biographies,  hymns  and  tracts  on  monastic 
life. 

"The  Imitation  of  Christ"  is  his  most  important  work, 
and  has  made  his  name  familiar  to  all  Christians.  It 
has  been  translated  into  more  languages  than  any  other 
book  except  the  Bible. 

Although  Thomas  lived  in  one  of  the  stormiest  periods 
in  European  history,  yet  nothing  of  the  stir  or  trouble 
of  the  outside  world  appears  in  his  writings. 

W  e  obtain  from  those  writings,  however,  a  life-like 
portrait  of  the  writer,  and  a  vivid  picture  of  convent 
life  in  the  fourteenth  and  fifteenth  centuries. 

Thomas  was  received  in  the  Convent  of  Mount  St. 
Agnes,  where  his  brother  John  was  prior,  in  1399;  he 
professed  the  vows  in  1407,  and  was  ordained  priest  in 
1413;  became  sub-prior  in  1425,  and  died  at  the  age 
of  ninety-one  years,  August  8,  1471. 


MEEKNESS 

Adverse  M unci i  Tolera 

BE  meek,  and  hear  adversity 
In  Jesus'  sacred  name; 
There's  danger  in  prosperity; 
It  brings  a  scorching  flame. 

SUFFER   WITH   HUMILITY 

Quum   a  Malis  M olc  starts 

WHEN  thou  art  oppressed  with  pain, 
Think  that  'tis  no  loss,  but  gain; 
Suffering  with  humility 
Yields  a  shower  of  good  to  thee. 

Thou  shalt  honour  thus  the  Lord, 
Duplicate  thine  own  reward, 
Please  the  Angel  hosts  on  high, 
And  thy  neighbours  edify. 

LIFE 

Labor  Parva  est 

SMALL  is  life's  labour; 
Soon  comes  the  close; 
Great  the  reward  is,  — 

Endless  repose. 
Oft  as  thou  bearest 

With  patience  the  rod 
Thy  spirit  becometh 
A  martyr  to  God. 
203 


204  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

THE   FRUITS   OF   PATIENCE 

Patiendo  Fit  Homo 

PATIENCE  under  suffering 
Will  to  man  these  graces  bring,  — 

A  beauty  more  than  of  gold, 
A  clearness  more  than  of  glass, 

A  worth  that  can  ne'er  be  told, 
A  rank  that  no  ranks  out-class; 

A  spirit  that  riseth  light 

O'er  every  taint  of  sin; 
A  mind  to  hold  with  the  right 

And  Christ's  approval  win. 

More  saintly  that  man  shall  grow, 
Better  each  day  to  the  end; 

Fiercer  to  Satan,  his  foe, 

And  dearer  to  Jesus,  his  friend. 

TRUST  IN  GOD 

In  Domino  Semper  Spera 

ALWAYS  place  in  God  thy  trust, 
Will  and  do 
What's  right  and  true; 
Let  thy  soul  be  brave  and  just; 
Show  thy  Lord  a  humble  mind; 
Thou  shalt  thus  his  favour  find; 
Love  but  few  and  simple  things; 
Simple  life  much  comfort  brings. 


CARDINAL   SILVIO   ANTONIANO 

Born  at  Rome  in  1540,  Cardinal  Antoniano  became 
noted  as  a  theologian  and  a  scholar. 

He  died  in  1603.  The  following  hymn  was  inserted 
in  the  Roman  Breviary  by  order  of  Pope  Urban  VIII. 


205 


FOR   FEASTS  OF   HOLY  WOMEN 

Fort  cm   /  irdi  I\  <  ton 

WITH  manly  voice  exalt  in  song 
The  saintly  woman  brave  and  strong 
Whose  noble  virtue  shineth  forth 
In  glory  through  the  bounds  of  earth. 

With  soul  inflamed  by  holy  fire 
She  cast  aside  all  low  desire; 
Unsoiled  by  evil,  night  and  day 
She  toiled  along  her  heavenward  way. 

By  stringent  fasts  and  guarding  care 
She  tamed  the  flesh;  in  constant  prayer 
Her  spirit  soared  unto  the  skies 
And  gained  the  joys  of  Paradise. 

Dear  Jesus,  King  of  wondrous  might, 
Our  hope  art  thou,  our  love  and  light: 
We  ask  thy  Saint  to  intercede; 
In  mercy  hear  the  prayer  and  heed. 

To  God  the  Father  glory  be, 
The  same,  Lord  Jesus,  unto  thee, 
And  to  the  Spirit  equal  store 
Of  praise  and  honour  evermore. 

2C7 


CARDINAL   ROBERT   BELLARMIN 

The  author  of  the  following  hymns,  known   usually 

by  his  Italian  name,  Roberto  Bellarmino,  was  born  at 
Monte  Pulciano,  near  Florence,  October  4,  1542,  and 
died  in  Rome,  September  17,  1621.  He  was  nephew  of 
Pope  Marcellus  II.,  and  at  the  age  of  eighteen  years 
entered  the  Society  of  Jesus.  He  was  a  powerful  writer 
and  controversialist,  and  was  famous  as  one  of  the  most 
holy  and  most  learned  men  of  his  age.  In  1598  he 
was  raised  to  the  Cardinalate  by  Pope  Clement  VIII. 

In  1601  he  became  Archbishop  of  Capua,  where  he 
administered  the  affairs  of  that  See,  until  1605  when 
he  became  Librarian  of  the  Vatican. 

The  following  hymns  are  taken  from  the  Roman 
Breviary  where  they  were  placed  by  Pope  Urban  VIII. 


209 


HYMN    FOR    THE    FEAST    OF    ST.    MARY 
MAGDALENE 

Pater  Super ni  Luminis 

O  FATHER  of  the  light  serene, 
Thou  lookest  on  the  Magdalene, 
And  lo,  she  burns  with  holy  fire 
While  melts  her  soul  with  pure  desire. 

She  runs,  her  store  of  ointment  sweet 
To  pour  upon  thy  blessed  feet, 
Bathes  them  in  tears  of  penance  rare, 
And  wipes  them  with  her  loosened  hair. 

Beside  the  cross  of  pain  she  stands, 

She  clasps  thy  tomb  with  trembling  hands. 

Unl righted  by  the  guard  severe; 

For  holy  love  has  banished  fear. 

So  look,  O  Lord,  on  us  we  pray; 
In  pity  purge  our  crimes  away; 
Into  our  hearts  thy  graces  pour, 
To  be  thine  own  forevermore. 

To  God  the  Father  and  the  Son, 
And  Holy  Spirit,  three  in  one, 
All  praise  and  love  and  glory  be 
Through  time  and  through  eternity. 


212  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

HYMN  FOR  THE  FEAST  OF  THE  ANGEL 
GUARDIAN 

Aeterne  Rector  Siderum 

MAKER  and  Lord  of  wondrous  might 
And  dweller  in  the  dread  Immense, 
Thy  power  and  rule  are  infinite, 
And  infinite  thy  Providence! 

i 

We  come  before  thee,  bowed  in  tears, 

We  seek  thy  love,  our  sweet  reward; 
Now  as  the  morning  light  appears, 
Light  thou  our  souls  anew,  O  Lord. 

And  be  thy  angels  with  us  still 

To  guide  and  guard  us  all  the  day, 

To  hold  us  subject  to  thy  will, 

And  keep  the  stain  of  crime  away. 

Dear  Lord,  from  out  our  bosoms  tear 
Each  thought  or  dream  that  leads  to  sin; 

So  may  we  shun  the  tempter's  snare, 
So  learn  thy  law  and  dwell  therein. 

Keep  war  and  famine  from  our  shore, 
Build  up  our  homes  in  sunny  peace, 

Be  ours  thy  love  forevermore, 
Thy  tender  mercies  never  cease. 


CARDINAL    ROBERT    BELLARMIN  >i$ 

To  God  all  praise  and  glor}  be, 
Who  sends  his  angel  ho  I  to  guide 

Whom  Christ  redeemed  on  Cal 
And  whom  the  Spirit  sanctified. 


HYMN  TO  THE  ANGEL  GUARDIANS 

Gust  odes   1 1  omnium   Psallimus 

PRAISE  in  song  those  angels  holy 
Whom  our  heavenly  Father  gave 
As  our  guides  to  watch  and  jniard  us 
From  the  cradle  to  the  grave. 

Sore  we  need  their  tender  service, 

For  with  fraud  the  cruel  foe 
Strives  to  lead  our  souls  to  ruin 

And  to  work  eternal  woe. 

Hover  near  us,  watchful  spirits, 

Shield  us  'neath  the  sheltering  wing, 

So  that  neither  woe  nor  danger 

From  the  tempter's  power  shall  spring. 

Everlasting  praise  and  honour 

To  the  glorious  One  in  Three 
\\  hose  eternal  presence  reigneth 

Over  heaven  and  earth  and  sea. 


URBAN  VIII. 

Maffeo  Barberini,  author  of  the  following  hymns, 
was  born  in  Florence  of  a  wealthy  family  in  1568,  and 
died  in  Rome  July  29,  1644. 

He  was  elected  Pope  August  6,  1623,  after  having 
spent  many  years  under  Gregory  XIV.,  and  Clement 
VIII.,  in  most  important  ecclesiastical  offices. 

He  was  a  patron  of  sciences  and  arts,  and  left  a  vol- 
ume of  Italian  poetry,  including  seventy  sonnets.  From 
his  knowledge  of  Greek  he  was  called  the  "  Attic  Bee." 

Under  his  pontificate  the  Roman  Breviary  received 
many  changes;  the  ancient  hymns  were  in  many  cases 
subjected  to  metrical  emendations  and  new  ones  in- 
serted. 

The  following  were  first  introduced  in  the  revision 
made  at  that  time. 


215 


HYMNS  TO  ST.   THERESA 

I 

Regis  Suferni  A  untia 

GOD'S  messenger,  Theresa, 
Thou  leav'st  Thy  father's  home 
To  bring  mankind  to  Jesus, 
Or  gain  sweet  Martyrdom. 

But  milder  death  awaits  thee, 
And  fonder  pains  are  thine, 

God's  blessed  angel  wounds  thee 
With  fire  of  love  divine. 

Sweet  virgin,  love's  pure  victim, 
So  fire  our  souls  with  love, 

And  lead  thy  trusting  people 
Safe  to  the  realms  above 

Give  glory  to  the  Father, 

The  Spirit  and  the  Son, 
One  Trinity,  one  Godhead, 

While  endless  ages  run. 

II 
Haec  est  Dies 

BEHOLD  the  blessed  morning, 
When,  like  a  snow-white  dove, 
Thy  soul  arose,  Theresa, 
To  join  the  choirs  above. 
217 


2l8  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

The  Bridegroom  calls:  "From  Carmel 

Come,  sister,  unto  me, 
Partake  the  Lamb's  high  nuptials;  — 

Thy  crown  awaiteth  thee." 

O  Jesus,  tender  Bridegroom 

By  holy  virgin  throngs 
Be  evermore  surrounded, 

Be  praised  in  endless  songs. 

HYMN   TO    ST.    ELIZABETH    OF    PORTUGAL 

Domare  Cordis  Impetus 

TO  rule  thy  heart,  Elizabeth, 
To  curb  all  motions  vain. 
Seemed  better  to  thy  godly  soul 
Than  as  a  queen  to  reign. 

And  lo,  enthroned  among  the  saints, 

Above  the  gleaming  skies, 
Thou  hast  received  thy  rich  reward, 

The  joys  of  Paradise. 

Thy  reign  is  with  the  angel  choirs, 

The  stars  beneath  thy  feet, 
The  Blessed  Vision  is  thy  prize 

And  heaven  thy  queenly  seat. 

All  powTer  unto  the  Father  be, 

All  glory  to  the  Son, 
And  honour  to  the  Holy  Ghost 

While  endless  ages  run. 


URBAN    VIII.  Zig 

HYMNS  FOR  THE  FEAST  01  ST.  MARTINA 

I 

Mart  in  fir  Crlrhri  Plauditc 

YE  citizens  of  Rome,  aloud  proclaim 
The  saintly  glory  of  Martina's  name; 
Sing  her  white  love,  her  pure  virginity, 
Her  martyrdom  for  Jesus,  —  sound  her  fame. 

The  splendours  of  the  world  adorned  her  birth, 
Her  life  was  graced  with  all  the  joys  of  earth, 

Yet  all  that  wealth  with  lavish  hand  could  give 
Her  pure  soul  spurned  as  things  of  little  worth. 

The  joys  and  profits  of  the  world  she  trod 
Beneath  her  feet,  and  gave  her  soul  to  God; 

Distributing  among  the  poor  of  Christ 
Her  earthly  heritage,  she  walked  his  road. 

No  deed  of  torture  and  no  cunning  word 

Could  move  her  heart  from  Christ,  her  loving  Lord, 

Till  angels  came  from  heaven  and  led  her  forth 
To  feast  with  God  at  his  celestial  board. 

They  cast  thee  to  the  beasts,  O  virgin  sweet; 
The  savage  lion  fawned  and  licked  thy  feet; 

But  man,  more  savage,  slew  thee  with  the  sword, 
And  thy  pure  spirit  found  her  heavenly  seat. 


220  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

So  evermore,  thine  altar  redolent 

With  incense,  unto  thee  our  prayers  are  sent, 

For  intercession,  where  thy  name  shines  out 
Among  God's  chosen  ones,  an  ornament. 

Drive  evil  from  our  souls,  O  triune  Lord, 

Who  bring'st  thy  martyrs  to  their  sweet  reward; 

Grant  to  thy  servants  peace  and  that  true  light 
That  leads  thy  people  into  sweet  accord. 


II 

Tu  Natale  Solum  Protege 

PROTECT  thy  native  soil;  to  Christian  lands 
Gain    by  thy   prayers   true    peace;    hold    up    our 
hands; 
The  sound  of  arms  and  raging  war  suppress; 
Teach  us  to  honour  Christ  and  his  commands. 

And  virgin  martyr,  'neath  his  banner  bring 
Mankind  to  march,  as  warriors  of  the  King; 

Thy  sacred  blood  shall  be  our  strength;  the  foe 
Shall  fall  beneath  that  blessed  offering. 

O  glorious  saint,  be  unto  us  a  tower; 
Honours  and  votive  prayers  to  thee  we  pour; 

Accept  our  love,  and  through  thy  gentle  aid 
Upon  our  souls  let  heavenly  blessings  shower. 


\N     VIII.  221 


O 


THE  TRANSFIGURATION 

Lux  Alma  'J'.u  Mint i urn 

JESUS,  when  thy  tender  light 


Is  in  the  soul,  the  world  grows  bright; 
Then  flies  the  mist  of  earthly  ills, 
And  heavenly  love  the  bosom  fills. 

What  joy  thy  visits  bring  to  me, 

O  Son  of  God!  thy  light  I  s< 
Forevermore  with  me  abide, 
Sweet  hope,  to  carnal  sense  denied. 

Thou  glory  of  the  heavenly  home, 
Thou  power  unfathomable,  come, 
And  with  thy  presence  from  above 
Pour  on  our  souls  a  flood  of  love. 

To  Jesus  who  to  babes  revealed 
His  glory,  from  the  proud  concealed, 
And  to  the  Sire  and  Paraclete, 
Forevermore  be  praises  meet. 

HYMN  TO  ST.   JOSEPH 

Te  Joseph  Cclcbrent  Agmina  Coelitum 

THE  hosts  of  heaven,  Joseph,  honour  thee, 
And  in  thy  prayers  all  Christian  choirs  resound; 
All  chaste  among  the  chaste,  thy  name  shall  be 
In  holiness  renowTned. 


222  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

When  thou  in  doubt  didst  look  upon  thy  bride 

Great  with  the  Holy  One  of  God,  behold! 
A  blessed  angel  standing  at  thy  side, 
The  heavenly  wonder  told. 

Thou,  as  a  tender  sire  didst  rule  thy  Lord, 
Saving  by  flight  his  life  in  early  years; 

Found 'st  in  the  temple  him  whom  all  adored, 
Mingling  thy  joy  with  tears. 

Others  are  raised  by  happy  death,  but  thou 
Wert  born  to  wear  on  earth  a  crown  of  grace; 

Comrade  of  God  in  life,  thou  dwellest  now 
In  marvellous  blessedness. 

Most  holy  Trinity,  to  us  who  kneel 

Before  thy  throne,  through  Joseph's  merits  raise 
Our  souls  unto  thy  stars,  that  we  may  feel 

And  fitly  sing  thy  praise. 


TO   ST.   JOSEPH 

Coelitum  Joseph  Decus 

O  JOSEPH,  joy  among  the  saints,  and  light 
To  guide  our  lives  to  heaven,  thou  pillar  bright 
Upholding  earth,  we  lift  our  songs  to  thee, 
Let  them  ascend  unto  thy  sacred  height. 

The  shaper  of  the  skies  selected  thee 
His  stainless  virgin's  holy  spouse  to  be, 


URBAN    vin. 

The  Foster  Sire  of  Christ,  and  minister 
Of  that  salvation  that  hath  made  us  free. 

Thou  saw  est  in  the  manger  born  thy  Lord, 
Of  whom  the  prophets  sang,  the  sacred  Word; 
Rejoicing  thou  beheld 'st  with  prostrate  soul, 
The  tender  Babe  as  living  God  adored. 

The  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  the  King  of  Kings, 
Whose  will  is  law  that  prone  obedience  brings, 

Whose  light  the  demons  Tear,  whose  word  they  fly, 
Made  himself  subject  to  thy  questionings. 

All  praise  unto  the  heavenly  Trinity 

Bringing,  bright  saint,  thine  honours  unto  thee; 

Grant,  through  thy  merits  and  thy  pitying  prayers 
That  we  the  joys  of  blessed  life  may  see. 


MORNING  HYMN  TO  ST.   JOSEPH 

Jste  Quern  Laeti  Cohmus 

GLAD  honours  unto  thee  to-day  we  bring, 
In  holy  faith,  O  Joseph,  of  thy  glory 
And  triumph  gained,  in  holy  joy  we  sing, 
And  sound  thy  story. 

O  happy  saint!     O  marvellously  blest! 

At  whose  last  hour,  as  watchers,  self-appointed, 
The  virgin  saw  thee  sinking  to  thy  rest, 

And  God's  Anointed. 


224  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

And  thou  didst  rise,  from  clinging  flesh  unbound, 
In  placid  sleep,  unto  the  throne  eternal, 

Didst  take  thy  flight,  and  by  God's  hand  wert  crowned 
With  palms  supernal. 

So  unto  thee,  O  reigning  saint,  we  pray: 
Assist  us  in  our  needs;  be  thy  voice  given 

For  our  salvation;  that  at  last  we  may 
See  thee  in  heaven. 

We  lift  our  voice  in  love,  we  honour  thee, 
O  heavenly  Ruler,  crowning  with  thy  glory 

Thy  faithful  servant;  in  his  praises  we 
But  sing  thy  story. 


HYMN  FOR  THE  FEAST  OF  A  CONFESSOR 

Jesu  Corona  Celsior 

JESUS,  crown  of  heavenly  glory, 
Holiest  truth  on  high  adored; 
Souls  that  fearless  preach  thy  story 
Gain  from  thee  a  sure  reward. 

Hear,  O  Lord,  our  meek  petition, 

Let  our  hearts  thy  mercy  find; 
Grant  from  staining  crimes  remission, 

Break  the  galling  chains  that  bind. 

Now  the  holy  morn  returning 
Breaks  with  light  the  ebon  bars, 


URBAN    VIII.  225 

When  thy  saint  with  bosom  burning 
Found  his  home  among  the  stars. 

He  on  earth  all  wealth  and  pleasure 

Cast  in  scorn  beneath  his  feet, 
Love  of  thee  his  only  treasure, 

So  he  sought  the  heavenly  seat. 

Thee,  O  Christ,  as  King  confessing, 
Thee  he  preached,  he  loved  thee  well, 

All  unworthy  hopes  suppressing, 
Spurning  all  the  wiles  of  hell. 

Powerful  in  thy  holy  praising, 

All  his  faith  in  thee  alone, 
All  his  powers  from  pride  abasing, 

Now  he  dwells  beside  thy  throne. 

Loving  Jesus,  mild  and  tender, 

Be  his  holy  virtue  ours, 
And  be  thou  our  firm  defender 

From  all  vain  and  evil  powers. 

Glory  to  the  Sire  supernal, 

Glory  to  the  sole-born  Son, 
And  the  Paraclete  eternal, 

God  of  ages,  three  in  one. 


HYMNS   BY  UNKNOWN  AUTHORS 

All  but  the  first  three  of  the  following  selections 
are  found  in  the  Roman  Breviary,  some  of  them  being 
quite  modern.  Those  on  the  Feast  of  Our  Lady  Help 
of  Christians,  for  instance,  are  as  recent  as  the  reign 
of  Pope  Pius  VII.,  when  they  were  written  and  inserted 
in  the  Breviary  on  the  institution  of  that  feast  in  honour  of 
the  Pope's  release  from  imprisonment  at  Savona  under 
Napoleon. 

Two  are  taken  from  the  poem,  "Flos  Pudicitiae,,,  a 
thirteenth  century  manuscript  found  in  the  British 
Museum,  and  written  in  a  variety  of  metres,  two  of 
which  are  here  preserved. 

Most  of  the  other  hymns  are  centos,  or  adaptations  of 
older  poems.  The  translations  are  added  to  the  pres- 
ent volume  so  as  to  make  it  fairly  complete. 

The  two  hymns  on  the  dedication  of  a  church  are  the 
polished  Breviary  adaptations  of  the  beautiful  and 
famous,  but  rugged  seventh  century  poem,  "Urbs 
Beata  Hierusalem,"  which  has  become  the  parent  of 
many  of  the  "New  Jesusalem,"  songs  of  later  ages. 


227 


HYMN'S  TO  THE   BLESSED  VIRGIN 

Flos  Pudicttiae*     A  Cento 

FLOWER  of  white  Virginity, 
Chamber  bright  of  clemency, 

We  before  thy  throne  rejoice, 

And  implore  thy  favouring  voice. 

Tender  Virgin,  most  serene, 
Thee  we  hail  as  Heaven's  Queen; 
Unto  thee,  on  bended  knee, 
Trusting,  call  for  charity. 

Bride  of  beauty,  lily  white, 
Chosen  by  the  God  of  Light, 
Like  the  sun,  the  sevenfold  grace 
Shineth  from  thy  heavenly  face. 

Holy  spouse,  Eternal  Love 

Crowns  thee  Queen  of  saints  above; 

Mirror  of  all  purity, 

Christ  the  Son  is  born  of  thee. 

Be  our  hope  and  refuge  sweet, 
Humbly  bending  at  thy  feet; 
By  thy  prayers  our  bosoms  cleanse, 
Bring  us  tears  of  penitence. 
229 


23O  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Solace  grant  to  all  our  grief, 
To  our  pains  a  sweet  relief; 
Purge  our  souls  of  guilt  and  guile, 
Make  us  worthy  of  thy  smile. 

Flos  Pudicitiae.    A  Cento 

MARY  mild,  undefiled, 
Help  of  all  the  lowly, 
O,  despise  not  our  cries, 
Spring  of  hope  most  holy. 

Glorified  as  the  Bride, 
Gabriel's  Ave  warns  thee, 

And  the  Word,  Christ  the  Lord, 
For  his  birth  adorns  thee, 

Shine  afar,  Morning  Star, 
Christ,  the  sunlight,  leading; 

Lend  thine  ear,  Mother  dear, 
To  our  prayer  and  pleading. 

Lift  our  eyes  to  the  skies, 

Raise  our  hearts  and  bring  them, 

Through  thy  might  to  the  light 
Of  the  heavenly  Kingdom. 

Aurora  Quae  Solem  Paris 

THOU  mother  of  the  Sun,  sweet  morn, 
And  daughter  of  his  radiance  bright, 


HYMNS    OF     I   \k\<>\\  N     All  HORfl 

Upon  this  daw  when  thou  wcrt  born 
Thou  bring 'st  to  man  serene  delight. 

Thee,  robed  in  glory  by  the  Sun, 

The  moon  and  stars  revere;   for  thee, 

High-seated  on  thy  heavenly  throne 
They  form  a  crown  eternally. 

The  choirs  of  angels  sing  to  thee. 

The  throngs  of  saints  before  thee  fall; 

Christ  shrines  in  his  divinity 
The  Mother  of  the  Lord  of  All. 

Thy  power  is  heavenly,  Virgin  mild; 

The  hosts  of  darkness  fly  thy  face; 
Those  arms,  where  God  reposed,  a  child, 

Can  shield  our  souls  and  bring  us  grace. 

Thy  heel  has  crushed  the  serpent's  head, 
His  poisonous  fang  we  fear  no  more; 

The  sorrow  of  the  past  is  dead, 
Thy  love  we  seek,  thy  aid  implore. 

Sweet  Virgin,  teach  our  spirits  still 
To  follow  Christ,  the  Lord  of  Light, 

Who  dwelt  with  thee,  and  worked  thy  will, 
Thy  loving  Son,  the  King  of  Might. 

To  God  the  Sire,  all  praise  and  love, 
Like  praise  and  love  unto  the  Son, 

And  to  the  Spirit,  Heavenly  Dove, 

Through  whom  the  Virgin's  crown  was  won. 


231 


232  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

HYMNS  ON  THE  DEDICATION  OF  A  CHURCH 

Coelestis  Urbs  Jerusalem 

JERUSALEM,  Celestial  Home, 
Sweet  port  of  peace  divine, 
The  stones  of  which  thy  walls  are  laid 

Are  souls  of  saints  benign; 
A  thousand  thousand  angels  sing 
The  glories  that  are  thine. 

Thou  art  a  Queen  most  beautiful, 

In  wedlock  sweetly  won, 
Dowered  with  the  glory  of  the  Sire, 

The  mercies  of  the  Son,  — 
Like  Christ,  thy  spouse,  thy  rule  shall  be 

Eternal  as  his  throne. 

A  crown  of  pearls  is  on  thy  brow, 

Thy  gates  are  opened  wide; 
The  ages  bow  before  thy  throne, 

And  hail  thee  as  the  Bride, 
That  moves  mankind  to  deathless  love 

Of  Christ  the  Crucified. 

With  many  a  stroke  of  shining  steel, 

With  many  a  sounding  blow, 
The  stones  were  laid  and  fitted  well 

Within  thy  walls  below, 
Till,  io,  thy  glory  evermore 

Above  the  stars  shall  glow. 


HYMNS    01     i  NKNOWN    M   I  HORS 

All  praise  throughout  the  bounds  of  earth, 

To  ( fod  the  Father  bi 
Like  praise  be  sung  to  Christ  the  Son, 

Our  Lord  and  Heavenly  King, 
And  unto  God  the  Paracl 

The  selfsame  praise  shall  ring. 


Alto  Ex  Olympi  Vcrticc 

FROM  Heaven's  high  dome,  the  Lord  of  Love, 
The  sole-begotten  Son, 
Came  down  to  build  his  temple  fair, 

And  be  its  corner  stone; 
He  joined  it  to  the  stars  above, 
Till  earth  and  heaven  are  one. 

So  evermore  the  holy  walls 

Resound  with  heavenly  lays; 
And  men  unite  with  angel  choirs, 

The  Three  in  One  to  praise; 
The  songs  of  Sion,  loud  and  sweet, 

With  gladsome  voice  we  raise. 

Dread  King  of  Heaven,  before  thy  throne 

We  bow  and  beg  thy  light; 
Receive  thy  people's  prayers,  O  Lord, 

Be  with  us  day  and  night; 
And  guide  us  onward  in  thy  love, 

To  thy  Celestial  height. 


234 


EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Here  shall  our  voices  evermore 

Ascend  before  thy  throne, 
Beseeching  thee  for  gifts  we  need 

Till  earthly  days  are  done; 
Till  we  shall  reach  the  blessed  seats 

Where  holy  joy  is  won. 

Then  let  all  earth  resound  with  praise 
To  God  our  heavenly  King; 

And  to  the  Christ,  his  only  Son 
The  selfsame  praises  bring; 

So  to  the  Spirit,  three  in  one, 
All  earth  and  heaven  shall  ring. 


THE  PRAYER  ON  MOUNT  OLIVET 

A  spice  ut  Verbum  Patris 

LO,  from  the  Father's  flaming  throne, 
The  ever-living  Word,  the  Son, 
Urged  by  sweet  love  and  saving  grace, 
Comes  down  to  raise  our  fallen  race. 

He  looks  upon  our  miseries 

In  mercy;  all  our  need  he  sees; 

He  wills  our  ruin  to  repair, 

And  sues  the  Sire  in  prostrate  prayer. 

Bowed  'neath  the  load  of  sin,  he  saith, 
"My  soul  is  sorrowful  to  death; 


HYMNS  OF  UNKNOWN  AUTHORS        2^5 

Though  fain  the  cup  would  I  decline, 
Father,  thy  will  be  done,  not  mine/' 

The  woe  of  all  the  world  he  feels, 
While  taint  upon  the  ground  he  kneels; 
His  great  heart  trembles  with  the  pain, 
Till  blood-drops  ooze  from  every  vein. 

Swift  passes  from  his  soul  the  storm, 
An  angel  lifts  the  prostrate  form; 
With  strength  renewed  he  goeth  forth 
The  King  and  Saviour  of  the  earth. 


Venit  e  Coelo 

THE  Christ,  our  Saviour  comes,  behold, 
By  prophet  and  by  bard  foretold; 
Daughter  of  Sion  weep  no  more, 
Salvation  shines  upon  thy  shore. 

From  out  the  ancient  garden  came, 
By  disobedience,  death  and  shame; 
But  from  the  new  come  life  and  light 
W  here  Jesus  prayeth  in  the  night. 

Appeasing  God's  avenging  ire, 

He  holdeth  back  the  threatening  fire; 

His  sacred  life  delivereth 

To  lift  our  souls  from  sin  and  death. 


236  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

The  snares  of  hell  his  hand  destroys; 
He  calls  our  souls  to  heavenly  joys, 
The  golden  gates  reopening; 
There  reigns  our  Victim,  God  and  King. 

Praise  to  the  Father,  and  the  same 
To  thee,  O  Christ,  whose  holy  name 
Shall  conquer  earth;  like  praise  to  thee 
Blest  Paraclete  eternally. 


HYMNS  ON  THE  PASSION  OF  OUR  LORD 

Moerentes  Ocuh 

OUR  eyes  should  fall  in  grief,  our  tears  should  flow. 
And  from  our  deepest  hearts  the  groan  of  woe 
Should  rise,  when  we  remember  all  the  pangs 
The  Saviour  suffered,  and  the  mortal  blow. 

Came  Judas  from  the  priests,  and,  armed  with  staves 
And  swords,  a  cringing  multitude  of  slaves; 

They  struck  the  tender  Christ,  and  mocking  cried, 
"Others  he  saved;  see  if  himself  he  saves!" 

The  savage  throng  the  gentle  Saviour  brings 
Before  the  scornful  priest's  false  questionings; 

Delivered  to  the  soldiers,  lo,  they  dare 
Raise  impious  hands  against  the  King  of  Kings. 

Ye  people,  see!  the  God  of  earth  and  skies; 
The  cross  upon  his  bleeding  shoulder  lies, 


HYMNS    01     UNKNOWN    A\   I  H<  -  Zyj 

Silent  he  bears  the  lictor's  cruel  blow, 
And  never  to  the  jeering  crowd  replies. 

And  walking,  lamb-like,  to  his  cruel  death, 
Upon  his  head  he  wears  a  thorny  wreath; 
The  rage  of  Israel  stinging  insult  brings; 

He  hows  a  sacrifice  and  sufiereth. 

And  so  he  cometh  unto  Calvary 
And  dieth  nailed  upon  the  shameful  tree, 
He  dieth  burdened  by  all  human  woe, 
And  yieldeth  his  pure  life,  to  make  men  free. 

Yea,  for  our  miseries  the  cruel  pain 

He  bore;  to  bring  new7  life  his  life  was  slain; 

So  let  his  glory  ring  through  earth  and  heaven, 
Our  living  God  and  King  of  endless  reign. 

Aspice  Infami  Deus 

BEHOLD  where  hangs  in  cruel  infamy 
The  God  of  Ages  on  the  bloody  tree, 
Behold  his  tender  hands  nailed  to  the  cross, 
He  dies  in  shame,  from  shame  to  make  us  free. 

Lo,  like  a  worker  of  most  wicked  deeds, 
Between  twTo  thieves  he  hangs;  his  body  bleeds 

To  gratify  the  rage  of  Israel; 
His  life  is  spent  to  cure  our  cruel  needs. 

Ah,  pallid  grows  his  face;  his  head  is  bowed, 
His  eyes  are  closed  upon  the  scornful  crowd, 


238  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

With  a  loud  voice  he  sends  his  spirit  forth, 
And  o'er  his  body  settles  death's  dark  cloud. 

O  heart  that  hears  and  weeps  not,  hard  as  brass 
Thou  art;  for  lo,  'twas  all  thy  sins,  alas! 

That  brought  thy  Saviour  here,  all  innocent, 
To  cleanse  thy  guilt,  and  ope  the  heavenly  pass. 

To  thee,  Eternal  God,  all  glory  be, 
Who  gave  thyself  to  die  upon  the  tree, 

By  thy  all  precious  blood  to  wash  away 
Our  crimes,  and  lift  us  evermore  with  thee. 

Saevo  Dolorum  Turbine 

WHAT  cruel  storms  of  grief  and  pain 
The  gentle  Jesus  must  sustain! 
He  bears  his  cross  to  Calvary, 
And  there  they  place  him  on  the  tree. 

With  nails  they  nail  him  to  the  wood, 
Our  thorn-crowned  King;  his  holy  blood 
O'erflows  from  every  wound;  forlorn 
He  hangs  the  sport  of  spite  and  scorn. 

He  weeps,  he  prays,  aloud  he  cries, 
And  yielding  up  the  ghost,  he  dies; 
The  mother  feels  the  cruel  blow, 
Her  stainless  heart  is  pierced  with  woe. 

The  rocks  are  rent,  and  quakes  the  earth, 
From  out  the  tombs  the  dead  walk  forth; 


HYMNS   OP    UNKNOWN    AUTHORS 

Dread  darkness  covers  land  and  main; 

The  temple's  veil  is  torn  in  twain. 

Sun,  moon  and  stars  in  gloom  arc  hurled, 
The  heavens  moan,  and  groans  the  world; 
O  sinful  man,  in  shame  ari 
Behold,  for  thee  the  Saviour  dies. 

Here  with  his  mother,  stand  and  weep. 
In  tears  his  wounded  members  steep. 
See,  hand  and  foot  and  bleeding  side, 
And  think,  for  love  of  man  he  died! 

Victim  of  love!  lo,  thou  art  slain, 
From  sin  and  shame  our  souls  to  gain; 
To  wash  us  in  the  sacred  flood 
Of  thy  regenerating  blood. 

Our  peace,  our  joy,  be  thou,  O  Lord, 
Our  life,  our  hope,  our  sweet  reward, 
Our  guide,  our  light  upon  the  way, 
To  lead  us  unto  endless  day. 


OX  THE  CROWN  OF  THORNS 

Exite,  Sion  Fihae 

O  DAUGHTERS  of  Jerusalem, 
Chaste  virgins  of  the  roval  throne, 
Go  forth  and  see  the  diadem 

That  Sion  weaves  for  Christ,  her  Son. 


*39 


^ 


24O  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Behold  the  blood  upon  his  hair, 
His  tender  forehead  rent  and  torn, 

The  thorny  crown  that  he  must  wear, 
While  death  is  on  his  face  forlorn. 

O  hard  and  harsh  the  soil  that  gave 
So  foul  a  crop  of  thorns  severe; 

More  hard  and  harsh  the  cruel  slave 
That  forced  them  on  a  head  so  dear. 

The  thorns  empurpled  by  the  blood 
More  fair  than  roses  grow  to  be; 

The  crown,  touched  by  the  sacred  flood, 
Becomes  a  wreath  of  victory. 

The  barbs  that  rend  thee,  Christ,  to-day 
Are  the  sharp  thorns  of  human  sin; 

O  pluck  them  from  our  breasts,  we  pray, 
And  plant  thy  living  love  therein. 

Legis  Figuris  Pingitur 

THE  crown,  O  Saviour,  that  adorns 
Thy  head  is  shadowed  in  the  law; 
Here  shines  our  God  among  the  thorns, 
As  in  the  bush  that  Moses  saw. 

The  ark  that  did  the  law  enclose, 

The  sacred  table  of  the  bread, 
The  altar  where  the  incense  rose, 

Were  bound  with  crowns,  like  Christ's  dear  head. 


HYMNS   OF    UNKNOWN    AUTHORS  241 

Bur  partner  of  his  pains,  behold! 

His  blood  this  wreath  doth  glorify; 
More  beautiful  than  gems  and  gold, 

More  fair  than  starry  crowns  on  high. 

Praise,  honour,  power  and  glory  he 

To  God  the  Father  and  the  Son, 
And  Holv  Paraclete,  to  thee 

Forever  reigning,  three  in  one. 


ON  THE   SPEAR   AND   NAILS 

Quaenam  Lingua  Tibi 

WHAT  tongue  can  e'er  return  to  thee,  O  spear, 
The  gratitude  we  owe  thy  service  dear, 
For  thou  didst  ope  the  vivifying  side 
Of  Jesus,  whence  his  church  doth  first  appear. 

Like  Eve  arising  from  the  side  of  man, 
While  bound  in  sleep,  the  Church's  life  began; 
Hers  was  the  better  Adam;  pure  she  sprang 
Out  of  the  side  whence  blood  and  water  ran. 

And  equal  thanks,  O  Nails,  to  you  we  owe, 
For  in  the  death  of  Christ,  whose  mortal  woe 
Ye  wrought  upon  the  cross,  was  blotted  out 
In  his  sweet  blood  the  curse  on  man  below. 

Kind  Jesus,  whom  the  powers  proclaim  on  high 
The  Prince  of  Peace  and  Ruler  of  the  Sky, 


242  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Thy  wounds  in  hand,  foot,  side,  all  glorified, 
Reign  with  the  Sire  and  Spirit  eternally. 

Salvete  Clavi  et  Lance  a 

HAIL  piercing  nails,  hail  cruel  spear, 
But  late  in  mean  esteem  ye  stood; 
The  flesh  of  Christ  has  made  you  dear, 
The  purple  of  his  healing  blood. 

Selected  by  the  faithless  Jew, 

As  instruments  of  horrid  crime, 
The  God  of  love  has  made  of  you 

The  ministers  of  grace  sublime. 

The  tender  flesh  ye  rent,  but  lo, 

The  wounds  in  side,  in  hands,  in  feet, 

Are  fountains  of  his  love,  whence  flow 
Celestial  streams  of  blessings  sweet. 

O  wounded  Saviour,  unto  thee, 
We  bow  in  love,  thy  name  adore; 

Unto  the  Sire  and  Spirit  be 

Like  praise  and  glory  evermore. 

Tinctam  Ergo  Christi 

O  BLOODSTAINED  barbs  that  Christ  endures, 
Turn,  turn  your  torture  unto  me; 
Heart,  hand  and  foot,  the  crime  is  yours, 
Be  yours  the  bitter  penalty. 


hymns   01    UNKNOWN    AUTHORS  243 

Yea,  Jesus,  all  the  fault  w;is  mine. 

That  caused  thy  bitter  woe  and  pain; 
Pour  on  my  soul  thy  blood  divine 

And  make  it  whole  and  pure  again. 

So  shall  my  feet  ne'er  move  to  sin. 
My  hand  from  every  wrong  be  free, 

So  clean  my  bosom  that  therein 
No  shade  of  evil  thought  shall  be. 

O,  wounded  Saviour,  unto  thee 

We  bow  in  love,  thy  name  adore; 
Unto  the  Sire  and  Spirit  be 

Like  praise  and  glory  evermore. 


ON  THE  WINDING  SHEET 

Gloriam  Sacrae  Celebremus 

THE  glory  of  the  sacred  winding-sheet, 
In  song  and  hymn  to-day  we  celebrate, 
That  monument  of  love  and  mercy  sweet, 
In  pious  memory  we  cultivate. 

For  lo,  imprinted  plain  upon  each  fold 

The  marks  of  bleeding  hands  and  feet  we  see; 

Ah,  Christ,  the  Sindon,  surely,  we  behold 
That  wrapped  thy  body  taken  from  the  tree. 

And  on  the  stains  while  gazing  we  recall 
The  cruel  griefs  the  tender  Saviour  bore, 


244  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

To  raise  us  out  of  Adam's  woful  fall  — 
His  holy  death  that  we  in  tears  adore. 

The  cloven  side  we  see,  the  hands  and  feet 
By  nails  of  cruel  iron  pierced  and  torn, 

And  clearly  printed  on  the  snowy  sheet, 

Pressed  on  the  drooping  head,  the  crown  of  thorn. 

What  eye  unstained  of  tears  can  these  behold  ? 

What  ear  can  hear  without  a  rending  groan  ? 
Let  every  soul  to  whom  these  truths  are  told 

Fall  to  the  ground  in  adoration  prone. 

Dear  Christ,  our  crimes  alone  thy  torments  brought 
Our  evil  lives  took  thy  sweet  life  away, 

Our  mortal  stains  thy  mortal  sorrow  wrought 
Our  lives  are  thine,  O  Lord,  —  receive  thy  pay. 

To  thee,  O  Son  of  God,  be  power  and  praise, 

Who  didst  the  world  redeem  from  sin  and  shame, 

Unto  the  Father  equal  glory  raise, 
And  to  the  spirit's  ever-living  flame. 


Mysterium  Mir  a  bile 

WONDER  of  wonders,  we  behold 
The  Christ,  the  son  of  God  most  high! 
We  see  the  winding-sheet  enfold 
His  prone  and  awful  majesty. 


HYMNS   OF    UNKNOT  -RS  245 

Robing  his  form  in  all  our 

From  all  our  \v< 
The  pangs  of  death  to  uml 

He  hangs  upon  the  shameful  tree. 

And  printed  on  that  winding-sheet 

Which  wrapped  his  body  on  the  bier, 

The  marks  of  bleeding  hands  and  feet, 
The  traces  of  his  death  appear. 

These  are  the  signs  of  triumph  won, 
Over  the  world,  the  grave  and  hell, 

The  trophies  of  God's  warrior  Son, 
Our  leader,  Christ,  invincible. 

Under  this  sign  of  o-race  we  fi^ht, 

This  banner  of  the  holy  stains, 
Against  the  powers  of  death  and  night, 

All  Satan's  wiles  and  galling  chains. 

And  casting  our  old  life  away. 

We  robe  our  souls  in  raiment  new, 

And  following  Jesus  night  and  day, 
The  glorious  hopes  of  heaven  pursue. 

To  God  the  Father  glory  be, 

The  same  to  Christ  his  only  son, 

And  Holy  Paraclete,  to  thee, 
Forever  reginine;  three  in  one. 


246  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

y?su  Dulcis  Amor  Mens 

LOVING  Jesus,  sweet  and  tender, 
Be  my  bosom's  fond  defender, 
Love  for  love  my  soul  shall  render, 
Prostrate  at  thy  holy  feet. 

Lo,  I  see  thee  naked,  wounded, 
By  thy  trembling  friends  surrounded, 
Staring  on  thee,  sore  astounded, 
Folded  in  thy  winding-sheet. 

Hail,  dear  head  so  torn  and  gorv; 
Face,  whose  roses  blanched  and  hoary, 
So  have  lost  their  wondrous  glory 
That  the  angels  quake  to  see. 

Hail,  O  heart  of  man's  salvation, 
Prone  I  bow  in  adoration; 
Hail,  meek  wound,  thou  dark  carnation 
Bringing  healing  unto  me. 

Holy  hands,  all  perforated 
By  the  slaves  yourselves  created; 
Let  me  ne'er  with  love  be  sated, 
Kneeling  near  the  sacred  feet. 

To  the  Father's  power  supernal 
Love  and  praise  and  reign  eternal, 
So  to  Christ,  the  Coeternal, 
And  the  living  Paraclete. 


HYW  >R8  247 

OUR   LADY,  HELP  OF  CHRISTIANS 
Saefe  Dum  Cbristt  Populus  Cruentu 

OFT  when  the  flock  of  Christ  were  driven 
By  bloodv  sword  and  cruel  foe, 
The  tender  \  irgin  came  from  heaven, 
With  loving  aid  to  heal  their  woe. 

So  was  it  in  the  days  of  old, 

As  many  a  temple  lifted  high 
Proclaims;  and  gifts  of  richest  gold, 

With  grateful  blessings  testify. 

New  thanks  for  help  to-day  we  bring 
To  Mary  Queen,  with  gladsome  voice; 

In  strains  of  holy  joy  we  sing, 

And  all  the  bounds  of  earth  rejoice. 

O  happy  hour!  O  glorious  day! 

Behold  the  Master  on  the  throne! 
The  years  of  fear  are  passed  away, 

The  Chair  of  Faith  receives  its  own. 

Let  gentle  youths  and  virgins  chaste 

Uplift  to  heaven  rejoicing  lays; 
While  priests  and  people  proudly  haste 

To  join  in  songs  of  thanks  and  praise. 

Sweet  Virgin,  hear  us  in  our  need; 
Mother  of  Christ,  thy  gifts  increase, 


248  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Help  thou  our  Guide,  his  flocks  to  lead 
To  pastures  of  eternal  peace. 

O  Triune  God,  let  all  our  days 
Be  glorified  with  love  of  Thee 

While  songs  of  faith  and  heavenly  praise 
Resound  through  all  eternity. 


Te  Redemptoris  Dominique  Nostri 

GLORIOUS  Virgin,  thee  we  sing, 
Mother  of  our  Lord  and  King, 
Loving  aid  in  all  our  woes, 
Bringing  solace  and  repose. 

Though  the  powers  of  evil  rage, 
And  their  fiercest  battles  wage, 
Though  the  ancient  foe  assail, 
'Gainst  thy  help  shall  nought  prevail. 

Fury's  shafts  shall  harmless  be 
To  the  pure  that  call  on  thee, 
Seek  thy  intercession  swTeet, 
Bending  at  thy  blessed  feet. 

Virgin,  in  thy  fostering  care, 

Wrongs  shall  cease,  that  wound  and  wear, 

Crime  shall  fail  and  evil  fly, 

God  shall  guard  us  from  on  high. 


hymns   01    UNKNOWN    AUTHORS  240 

By  thine  aid  the  church  shall  be 
Lifted  high  and  firm  and  free. 
Shielded  h\  thy  help,  a  tower 

Strong  against  the  tempter's  power. 

Thou  hast  saved  us  from  the  rod 
By  the  strong  right  hand  of  God; 
Yield  us  still  thy  tender  care, 
Shield  us  by  thy  powerful  prayer. 

To  the  glorious  Trinity 
Endless  love  and  power  shall  be, 
Heaven  and  earth  thy  praise  shall  sing, 
Everlasting  God  and  Kino-. 


ON  THE  MOST   PRECIOUS   BLOOD 

Festivis  Resonent  Compita 

LET  cheerful  voices  sound  along  the  way, 
Let  every  brow  the  light  of  joy  display, 
Let  men  and  boys  the  flaming  torches  fire, 
And  march  with  singing  voice  in  glad  array. 

The  dying  Christ  upon  the  cruel  tree 

Poured  from  his  wounds  the  blood  that  made  us  free; 

But  while  his  pangs  our  holy  freedom  bought, 
A  tear  at  least  should  grace  their  memory. 

The  ancient  Adam's  crime  brought  heavy  woe, 
With  death  and  darkness  to  the  world  below; 


250  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

The  newer  Adam's  blamelessness  and  love 
Restored  unto  our  souls  the  heavenly  glow. 

The  Father  sitting  on  the  lofty  throne 
Heard  the  loud  cry  sent  by  his  bleeding  Son; 

And  by  that  cry  appeased,  and  by  that  blood, 
He  opens  heaven  to  every  seeking  one. 

Washed  in  this  blood,  as  is  a  garment  white, 
A  rosy  glory  like  angelic  light, 

The  soul  assumes,  from  every  foulness  free, 
As  angel  pleasing  to  the  God  of  might. 

So  like  an  angel  take  thy  holy  place, 
Nor  swerve  nor  falter  in  thy  godly  race, 

Press  onward  to  the  utmost  bound;  the  prize 
Each  noble  soul  attains  by  God's  sweet  grace. 

Father  of  might  to  thee  our  orison 

We  lift,  bought  by  the  blood  of  thy  sole  Son; 

Renew  us  in  the  spirit's  living  flame 
That  to  our  souls  thy  treasures  may  be  won. 

Ira  Justa  Conditoris 

O'ER  the  world  the  world's  Creator 
Poured  in  wrath  the  drowning  flood, 
In  his  justice  Noah  saving 

From  the  justice  so  bestowed; 
Then  the  earth  the  loving  Saviour 
Bathed  in  his  redeeming  blood. 


HYMNS    01    UNKNOWN    Ai   llloRS  251 

How  it  lists  up  in  glory, 
\\  atered  by  the  saving  ram ; 

\\  here  bur  thorns  before  abounded, 

Onlv  roses  now  remain, 
All  the  flowers  ol  bitter  seeming 

Soothing  taste  and  odour  gain. 

And  the  serpent's  power  and  danger 

Over  all  the  world  decline, 
He  must  lose  his  fangs  of  poison 

And  his  rule  on  earth  resign; 
This  our  gain,  O  wounded  Saviour, 

This  our  victory,  wras  thine. 

O  the  height  of  heavenly  wisdom, 

How  beyond  our  power  to  see! 
O  the  swreetness  of  the  Saviour, 

And  his  tender  love  for  me! 
Lo,  he  yields  his  life  to  save  me, 

Pays  my  bond  upon  the  tree. 

Though  our  wrongs  and  our  offenses 

For  avenging  justice  cry, 
Christ's  all  precious  blood  is  present, 

Bringing  mercy  from  on  high; 
And  those  evils  that  assail  us 

Powerless  fall  and  pass  us  by. 

Tender  Saviour,  Lord  of  glory, 

Thee  our  grateful  songs  wTe  bring, 
Thee  the  God  of  our  salvation, 


252  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Thee  our  author  and  our  King; 
Reigning  with  the  Sire  and  Spirit, 

Heaven  and  earth  one  praise  shall  sin£ 

Salvete  Christe  Vulnera 

ALL  hail  ye  wounds  of  Jesus, 
The  balm  of  human  woes, 
From  you  in  ruby  streamlets 
His  blood  forever  flows. 

There  shines  no  star  so  radiant, 

No  rose  is  half  so  rare, 
No  orient  gem  in  glory 

With  you  can  e'er  compare. 

Through  you  our  heavenly  Father 
Brings  peace  to  every  mind, 

Sweet  refuge  where  no  sorrow 
Can  port  or  entrance  find. 

What  blows  the  tender  Jesus 
Receives  in  Pilate's  hall! 

How  from  the  scourging  lashes 
The  precious  blood-drops  fall! 

They  press  upon  his  forehead 
The  piercing  crown  of  thorn; 

With  nails  of  cruel  iron 

His  hands  and  feet  are  torn. 


HYMNS    01     I    NKNOWN     At    IHORS  253 

And  after  life  is  yielded, 
And  forth  his  spirit  g< 

They  wound  his  tender  bosom 

Whence  cleansing  blood  outflows. 

Dear  Lord,  to  full  redemption 

Our  souls  hast  thou  restored; 
As  underneath  the  wine-press 

Thy  healing  blood  is  poured! 

Come,  bow  before  the  Saviour, 
Whate'er  our  crimes  have  been; 

His  blood  is  our  salvation, 
Who  bathes  therein  is  clean. 

Praise  him,  who,  with  the  Father 

Sits  throned  above  the  skies; 
The  Christ  whose  blood  redeems  us, 

Whose  spirit  sanctifies. 

OX  THE   SACRED   HEART 

Auctor  Beate  Saccuh 

THOU  blessed  fount  of  life  and  time, 
The  world's  Redeemer,   judge,  and  Lord, 
The  Father's  light  and  love  sublime, 
Thy  name,  O  Christ,  be  e'er  adored. 

Unbounded  love  did  thee  constrain 
To  robe  in  clay  the  living  God, 


254  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

As  second  Adam  to  regain 

The  prize  the  first  had  lost  by  fraud. 

All  mercy  thou,  O  Maker  mild 

Of  earth  and  sea  and  starry  sky; 
In  pity  for  thy  fallen  child 

Thou  gavest  thyself,  a  lamb,  to  die. 

The  fountain  of  all-healing  love 

From  thy  deep  heart  is  flowing  still, 

A  stream  of  blessings  from  above, 
And  all  may  drink  thereof  who  will. 

O  Sacred  Heart,  O  saving  flood! 

What  wounds,  dear  Christ,  didst  thou  endure, 
That  man  in  thy  all  precious  blood 

Might  bathe  his  soul  and  so  be  pure! 

Unto  the  Father  and  the  son, 

And  Holy  Spirit,  one  in  three, 
Be  praise  and  power  and  glory  won, 

And  rule  through  all  eternity. 


Quicumque  Certum  Quaeritis 

OYE  who  seek  a  sure  relief 
From  cruel  pain  or  wearing  grief, 
Whether  the  weight  of  guilt  oppress 
Or  worldly  cares  the  soul  distress, 


HYMNS   OF    UNKNOWN    A!  1IIORS  255 

Unto  the  dear  Lord  fesus  fly; 

He  gave  his  life  lest  man  should  die-; 

With  loving  heart  he  \\ .: iT s ;  and  lo, 

His  heart  is  never  closed  to  woe. 

To  every  soul  that  wills  to  seek. 
In  words  of   music  doth  he  speak; 
"All  ve  in  labour  bowed,  and  ye 

By  sin  afflicted,  come  to  me." 

\\  hat  heart  so  mild  as  his,  who  sought 

Forgiveness  for  the  Jews  that  bought 

And  nailed  his  body  to  the  tree  ? 

O  Sacred  Heart,  remember  me! 

O  Heart,  thou  joy  of  saints  in  heaven, 
Thou  saving  hope  to  mortals  given! 
Drawn  by  those  loving  words,  we  claim 
Thy  mercy,  Lord,  and  call  thy  name. 
O  cleanse  our  souls  of  sin  and  stain 
In  thy  redeeming  blood,  and  gain 
For  all  whose  prayers  ascend  to  thee, 
The  heavenly  gift  of  puritv. 

En,  Ut  Superba  Crimmum 

BEHOLD  us.  Lord,  a  savage  band, 
How  proud  of  vice,  we  walk  the  sod, 
And  strike  with  strong  and  cruel  hand 
The  pure  and  tender  heart  of  God. 

Our  countless  sins,  so  base  and  blind. 
Are  glittering  spears  to  thee,  dear  Lord; 


256  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Our  viler  passions  whet  and  grind 
The  biting  edges  of  the  sword. 

From  thy  torn  heart,  O  Christ,  is  born 
The  church  that  to  thy  teaching  clings, 

The  orient  door  that  doth  adorn 

The  temple,  whence  salvation  springs. 

And  hence  eternal  graces  flow, 

A  sevenfold  stream,  a  wondrous  flood; 

The  fountain  is  the  Lamb,  and  lo, 

The  cleansing  wave,  his  flowing  blood. 

Lord,  let  us  ne'er  to  foul  desire 
Return  to  wound  thy  sacred  heart, 

Kindle  our  souls  with  holy  fire, 

And  keep  our  wills  where'er  thou  art. 

O  Son,  O  Sire,  O  Spirit  hear, 

And  grant  the  gifts  we  seek  of  thee; 

Thy  power  and  glory  we  revere, 
Thy  reign  shall  live  eternally. 


Sum  mi  Parentis  Filio 

OTHOU,  the  Son  of  God  most  High, 
Thou  Father  of  the  life  to  be, 
O  Prince  of  Peace,  to  thee  we  cry, 
We  bring  our  song  of  praise  to  thee. 


HYMNS    01  N     Al    1  MORS 

Thy  heart  was  wounded  by  the  blow 
Ordained  oi  everlasting  love; 

Such  love  among  thy  Hocks  below 
Thou  kindlest  at  the  fires  above. 

Dear  Christ  in  pity  for  our  v. 
Thou  didst  thyself  as  victim  give, 

The  cruel  pangs  to  undei 

To  ope  thy  breast  that  man  might  live. 

O  sacred  fount  of  love  sublime, 
O  living  spring  of  waters  free, 

O  fire  to  cleanse  away  all  crime, 
O  heart  aflame  with  charity. 

Lord,  keep  us  ever  in  thy  heart, 
Thy  tender  love  to  feel  and  know, 

The  joys  of  heaven  to  us  impart. 

When  we  shall  leave  these  walks  below. 

Cor,  Area  Legem  Continens 

O  HEART  of  Jesus,  holy  Ark 
That  holds  the  later  law  divine, 
Not  as  of  old,  a  service  dark, 

But  mercy,  grace,  and  love  benign; 

Thou  art  indeed  the  dwelling  place 
Of  God's  mild  law  and  tender  might, 

The  temple  of  out-pouring  grace 

That  radiates  all  the  world  with  light. 


-'57 


258  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Eternal  mercy  willed  the  blow 

That  gave  the  wounds,  O  Heart,  to  thee, 
That  man  shall  ever  feel  and  know 

The  love  that  suffered  on  the  tree. 

For  Christ,  eternal  Priest  and  Lord, 

Offers  his  love  by  holy  sign 
Upon  the  cross  and  at  the  board, 

The  twofold  sacrifice  dvine. 

We  love  thee,  Jesus,  Lord  most  high, 
We  lift  our  hearts  to  thine  above, 

And  to  thy  sacred  bosom  fly, 
That  everlasting  home  of  love. 

All  praise  and  power  and  glory  be 
To  God  the  Father  and  the  Son, 

And  Holy  Spirit  unto  thee, 
Forever  reigning  three  in  one. 


ON  THE  SEVEN  DOLORS 

0  Quot  Undis  Lacrimarum 

OTHE  woe,  the  tears,  the  sighing! 
Greater  grief  can  never  be, 
Than  assailed  the  love  undying 

Of  the  Virgin,  thus  to  see, 
In  her  arms  the  Saviour  lying, 
Torn  all  bleeding  from  the  tree. 


HYMNS   OF    UNKNOWN    AUTHORS 

i :       d  in  griel  his  form  she  pn 
Bathes  his  tender  breast  in  tears, 

Moaning,  his  mild  face  caressi 
And  where  each  red  wound  appea 

'Mid  the  storm  of  anguish,  ki- 
Shaken  sore  with  shuddering  fears. 

O'er  and  o'er  the  Mother  weeping, 
Tender  touches  doth  bestow, 

All  the  wounded  members  steeping 
In  the  tears  that  fondly  flow. 

And  her  lonesome  vigil  keeping. 
Bows  her  head  in  silent  woe. 

Mournful  Mother,  by  thv  sorrow. 

Grieving  o'er  the  Crucified, 
Teach  our  hearts  true  grief  to  borrow, 

Let  us  linger  by  thy  side, 
Feel  thy  anguish,  keen  and  thorough, 

And  in  thy  sweet  love  abide. 

Earth  and  heaven  to  rapture  speeding, 
Join  in  son^s  while  a<res  run, 

To  the  Father's  glory  leading, 
To  the  Co-eternal  Son, 

To  the  Lord  from  both  proceeding, 
Everlasting,  three  in  one. 


260  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

Jam  Toto  Subitus  Vesper 

SWIFT  from  the  heavens  the  stricken  daylight  flies, 
The  gloom  of  midnight  overpowers  the  skies, 
The  God  of  life,  'mid  infamy  and  shame, 
A  culprit  on  the  cross  forsaken  dies. 

And  thou  art  present,  bending  on  thy  knee, 
Mother  of  Christ;  thou  seest  the  agony, 

Thou  hear'st  the  groan  that  sends  the  spirit  forth, 
Where  hangs  thy  Son,  upon  the  bloody  tree. 

Ah,  bowed  in  grief  thou  gazest  on  thy  God, 
Bleeding  from  piercing  thorns  and  scourging  rod; 
The  thorns  that  pierce  his  body  pierce  thy  soul 
And  bring  the  streaming  tears  that  steep  the  sod. 

Dear  heart  of  Christ,  thy  tortures  were  her  woe, 
The  jeer,  the  lash,  the  insult  and  the  blow, 

The  thirst,  the  gall,  the  thorns,  the  nails,  the  blood, 
The  fiercest  torment  tyrant  could  bestow. 

O  Martyr  mother,  waiting  at  his  side 
And  weeping  o'er  that  Son,  the  Crucified; 

Martyr  indeed,  to  see  him  die,  yet  live 
And  suffer  all  the  pangs  wherewith  he  died! 

Honour  and  power  and  everlasting  praise 
To  thee,  O  glorious  Trinity  we  raise; 

And  sorrowing  Mother,  powerful  in  thy  pain, 
Be  man's  protectress  to  the  end  of  days. 


HYMNS    ''I      l    \K\OWN    All  IIOKS 

Sum  mac  Dcus  Clementine 

GOD  of  majestic  clemency, 
Let  it  be  ours  to  feel  and  kn< 

The  wounds  of  Christ  upon  the  tree, 

And  Mary's  sevenfold  woe. 

Lord,  by  thy  mother's  holy  tears 
Uplift  our  souls  to  thy  sweet  day; 

Let  them  suffice  to  calm  our  fears, 
And  wash  our  sins  away. 

The  Saviour's  wounds  and  Mary's  woe, 
Shall  fill  our  hearts  with  holy  love; 

O  let  them  be  our  grief  below, 
Our  endless  joy  above. 

Jesus  to  thee  be  glory  meet, 

Who  wert  for  our  salvation  slain, 

So  to  the  Sire  and  Paraclete 
Be  praise  and  endless  reign. 


ON  THE  MATERNITY  OF  THE  BLESSED 

VIRGIN 

Te  Mater  Alma  Numinis 

SWEET  mother  of  the  Lord  most  high, 
To  thee  wTe  bow  in  humble  prayer, 
To  thee  from  evil  powers  w7e  fly; 
O  shield  and  keep  us  in  thy  care. 


I 


262  EARLY   CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

It  was  to  lift  our  fallen  race 

Above  the  curse  of  Adam's  crime, 

The  King  bestowed  on  thee  all  grace 
And  shaped  thy  motherhood  sublime. 

So,  Mother  unto  thee  we  pray; 

Thou  seest  our  need;  thy  Son  entreat 
That  he,  his  anger  turned  away, 

May  raise  our  souls  in  mercy  sweet. 

All  glory,  Jesus,  unto  thee, 

Born  of  the  Virgin  void  of  stain; 

The  same  to  Sire  and  Spirit  be 

Proclaimed  through  one  eternal  reign. 

Coelo  Redemptor  Praetulit 

THE  world's  Redeemer  from  the  earth 
Up-bore  the  Virgin  to  the  sky, 
The  stainless  womb  that  gave  him  birth, 
And  throned  her  as  the  Queen  on  high. 

In  that  white  breast  that  knew  no  stain 
Salvation's  hope  was  robed  in  clay, 

The  Christ  that  on  the  cross  was  slain, 
Whose  blood  has  washed  our  sins  away. 

Let  joy  and  hope  to  man  be  won, 
And  drive  away  all  anxious  fears 

For  Mary  to  her  pitying  Son 

Will  sweetly  bear  our  prayers  and  tears. 


HYMNS  OP  UNKNOWN  AUTHORS 

The  mother's  words  her  tender  Child 

Will  heed  and  each  entreaty  bless; 

Revere  and  love  that  mother  mild, 
And  seek  her  aid  in  all  distress. 

Thou  triune  God,  all  praise  to  thee, 
That  to  the  stainless  bosom  bore 

The  virginal  maternity; 

We  sing  thy  glory  evermore. 


ON  THE  PURITY  OF  THE  BLESSED  VIRGIN 

Pracclara  Custos  I  trginum 

^F  virgin  souls  the  holy  guide, 

Chaste  mother  of  the  Love  benign, 
Thou  gate  of  Heaven  that  openest  wide. 
Be  still  our  hope,  our  joy  divine. 


O' 


Among  the  thorns  the  lily  clings, 

More  white  and  fair  than  whitest  dove, 

The  rod  from  Jesse's  root  that  springs, 
For  every  wound  a  balm  of  love. 

Thou  art  a  tower  too  high  for  stain, 
A  star  to  guide  the  ship-wrecked  soul; 

O  shield  us  from  the  vile  and  vain, 
And  lead  us  to  our  heavenly  goal. 

By  thy  sweet  prayers  all  shades  dispel, 
Remove  the  sands  of  guile  and  wrath; 


264  EARLY    CHRISTIAN    HYMNS 

All  fears  allay  and  doubtings  quell, 
And  for  our  footsteps  find  a  path. 

To  Jesus  be  all  power  and  praise, 
Born  of  the  Virgin  void  of  stain; 

And  to  the  Sire  and  Spirit  raise 

Like  glory  through  an  endless  reign. 


0  Stella  Jacob 

OSTAR  of  Jacob,  golden  light, 
Even  like  the  sun  thy  ray  divine; 
Among  the  heavens  where  all  is  bright 
There  is  no  purer  ray  than  thine. 

To  thee  the  white-robed  angels  sing, 
Who  stands  beside  the  royal  seat, 

To  thee  the  choirs  of  virgins  bring, 

Their  songs  and  psalms  and  praises  sweet. 

The  privet  and  the  lily  white 

Are  placed  upon  thine  altars  blest, 

But  whiter  than  these  flowers  of  light 
The  virgin  whiteness  of  thy  breast. 

All  earth  shall  lift  its  voice  and  sing 
The  songs  the  angels  sing  to  thee; 

Our  voices  to  the  stars  shall  ring 
And  laud  thy  virgin  purity. 


hymns   OF    UNKNOWN    AUTHOl  265 

Jesus  to  thee  be  glory  meet, 

Born  of  the  \  irgin  void  of  stain, 
So  to  the  Sue  and   Paraclete 

All  praise  and  power  and  endless  reign. 


INDEX   TO   LATIN   TITLES 


INDEX   TO   LATIN  TITLES 


Ad  Cocli  Clara 
Ad  Regias  Agni  Dapcs 
Adoro  Te  D 
Adversa  Mundi  Tolcra 
Aetcrna  Christi   Munera 
Aeterne  Coeli  Gloria 
Aeterne  Rector  Sidcrum 
Aeterne  Rerum  Conditor 
Aeterne  Rex  Altissime 
Ales  Diei  Nuntius 
Alma  Redemptoris  Mater 
Alto  Ex  Olympi  Vertice 
Antra  Deserti 
A  Solis  Ortus  Cardine 
Aspice  Infami  Deus 
Aspice  Ut  Verbum 
Auctor  Beate  Saeculi 
Audi,  Benigne  Conditor 
Audit  Tvrannus  Anxius 
Aurora  Coelum  Purpurat 
Aurora  Jam  Spargit 
Aurora  Quae  Solem 
Ave  Maris  Stella 
Ave  Regina  Coelorum 

Beata  Nobis  Gaudia 

Cantemus  Cuncti 
Christe,  Sanctorum  Decus 
Coelestis  Urbs  Jerusalem 
Coeli  Deus  Sanctissime 
Coelitum  Joseph  Decus 


5 

3* 
189 

203 
51 
39 

52 
33 
60 

*53 
233 
116 

67 

237 
234 
*53 
97 
>s 
l9 
40 


'55 


141 


93 

222 


TAGF. 

(  Rcdemptor  Prartulit 

Conson  Patcrni  Luminis  4; 

(  \r\a  Legem 

Creator  Alme  Siderum 

Crudelis  Herodea  Drum  68 

Crux  Bcnedicta  Nitet 

Custodcs  Hominum  Psallimus       213 

Decora  Lux  Aeternitatis 

Deus  Creator  Omnium  45 

Deus  Pater  Ingenitc  8 

Deus  Tuorum  Militum  :  ; 

Dies  Irae  Dies  Ilia  if; 

Domare  Cordis  Impetus  XlS 

Ecce  Jam  Noctis  io> 

Ecce  Jam  Noctis  106 

En  Clara  Vox  28 
En  Ut  Superba  Criminum 

Exite  Sion  Filiae  239 

Ex  More  Docti  Mystico  100 

Exultct  Orbis  Gaudiis  134 

Felix  Per  Omnes  Festum  121 

Festivis  Resonent  Compita  249 
Flos  Pudicitiae 

Flos  Pudicitiae  230 

Fortem  Virili  Pcctore  207 

Gloria  Laus  et  Honor  1 :  : 

Gloriam  Sacrae  Celebremus  243 


269 


270 


INDEX    TO    LATIN    TITLES 


PAGE 

Haec  Est  Dies 

217 

Hominis  Superne  Conditor 

95 

Immense  Coeli  Conditor 

92 

In  Domino  Semper  Spera 

204 

In  Passione  Domini 

i79 

Invicte  Martyr  Unicum 

24 

Ira  Justa  Conditoris 

250 

Iste  Confessor  Domini 

136 

Iste  Quern  Laeti  Colimus 

223 

Jam  Christus  Astra  Ascenderat 

36 

Jam  Lucis  Orto  Sidere 

25 

Jam  Meta  Xoctis  Transiit 

10 

Jam  Meta  Noctis  Transiit 

11 

Jam  Sol  Recedit  Igneus 

48 

Jam  Toto  Subitus  Vesper 

260 

Jesu  Corona  Celsior 

224 

Jesu  Corona  Virginum 

42 

Jesu  Decus  Angelicum 

169 

Jesu  Dulcis  Amor  Meus 

246 

Jesu  Dulcis  Memoria 

167 

Jesu  Mi  Bone  Sentiam 

170 

Jesu  Nostra  Redemptio 

35 

Jesu  Redemptor  Omnium 

29 

Jesu  Redemptor  Omnium 

*35 

Jesu  Rex  Admirabilis 

168 

Labor  Parva  Est 
Lauda  Sion 
Legis  Figuris  Pingitur 
Lucis  Creator  Optime 
Lucis  Largitor  Splendide 
Lux  Alma  Jesu  Mentium 
Lux  Ecce  Surgit  Aurea 

Magnae  Deus  Potentiae 
Martinae  Celebri  Plaudite 


203 
191 
240 
91 
9 
221 

63 

94 
219 


Martyris  Ecce  Dies  Agathae  15 

Moerentes  Oculi  236 

Mysterium  Mirabile  244 

Nocte  Surgentes  104 

Nocte  Surgentes  105 

Nox  Atra  Rerum  31 

Nox  et  Tenebrae  et  Nubilae  62 

Nunc  Sancte  Nobis  Spiritus  47 

O  Esca  Viatorum  190 

O  Gloriosa  Virginum  81 

O  Nimis  Felix  117 

O  Quanta  Qualia  159 

O  Quanta  Qualia  161 

O  Quot  Undis  Lacrimarum  258 

O  Sola  Magnarum  Urbium  57 

O  Sol  Salutis  Intimis  96 

O  Stella  Jacob  264 

Pange  Lingua  83 

t  Pange    Lingua  186 

Paschale  Mundo  Gaudium  21 

Pater  Superni  Luminis  211 

Patiendo  Fit  Homo  204 

Placare  Christe  Servulis  129 

Praeclara  Custos  Virginum  263 

Primo  Die  Quo  Trinitas  103 

Quaenam  Lingua  Tibi  241 

Quern  Terra  Pontus  Sidera  80 

Quicumque  Certum  Quaeritis  254 
Quicumque  Christum  Quaeritis      61 

Quum  a  Malis  Molestaris  203 

Recordare  Sancte  Crucis  180 

Rector  Potens  Verax  Deus  47 

Regis  Superni  Nuntia  217 


INDEX    ro    I  UTN    I  I  I XI  s 


271 


Renun  Creator  Optime 
Rcrum  Deua  Term  Vigot 

B    1   Deui  ImmniM 

rl  OTIOW  Martvrurn 

litum 

Sacris  Solemniis 

Dum  Christc 
Dolorum  Turbine 
Salutis  Actcrnc  Dator 
Salutis  Humanac  Sator 
Salvator  Mundi  Domine 
Salve  Rcgina 
Salvete  Christe  Vulnera 
Salvcte  Clavi  et  Lancea 
Salvete  Flores  Martvrurn 
Somno  Refectis  Artubus 
Splendor  Paternae  Gloriae 
Stabat  Mater  Dolorosa 
Summae  Deus  Clemcntiae 
Summae  Parens  Clementiae 
Summi  Parentis  Filio 


Summi  Pin        1 

"45 

43 

1 1 1 

'I      f                   rent 

221 

5° 

Tcllurii  Alme  Condttor 

22 

II.     it  Ant      1  Vrminum 

41 

ter  Ainu  Numinii 

l6l 

Te  R 

248 

H7 

•:  et  Virtu    Pan 

13a 

Tibi  Chritte               1  1 

13" 

130 

Tinctam  Ergo  Christi 

242 

35 

1  ■    tea  Erant  Ap 

98 

Tu  Natak  Solum  Protege 

220 

153 

Tu  Trinitatis  Unitas 

IOI 

252 
242 

59 
27 
37 
197 
261 

44 
256 


Ut  Queant  Laxis  1 1  " 

Veni  Creator  Spiritus  107 

Veni  Sancte  Spiritus  149 
Venit  e  Coelo 

Verbum  Supernum  Prodiens  49 

Verbdm  Supernum  Prodiens  185 

Vexilla  Regis  82 


^ 


— hmm  & 


>_W<-. 


A  FEW  ENDORSEMENTS 


"  The  volume  includes  the  most    notable  Latin    hymns  of  the  early 
and  middle  ages,  some  of  which  have  nc  re    been    given  to  the 

reading  public  in  an  English  dress.   For  accuracy  and  elegance  the  ren- 
ditions made  by  Mr.  Donahoe  have  never  been  approached  bv 

lish  interpreter.      The   work  will   be    particularly   appropriate   as   a 
book  to  non-Catholics  and  Catholics  alike." — The  Cathoi  >  ipt. 

'I  congratulate  you  on  the  publication   of  a   work   which    I    b< 
will  be  an  acquisition  to  our  Liturgical  Literature.      I   endorse  all  that 
The  Transcript  of  this  week  has  said  in  its  favor.      In  as  far  as  I   can   I 
will  encourage  its  sale."  —  Rt.   Rev.    Mgr.    Svnott,    Vicar-General,  and 
President  of  St.  Thomas's  Seminary  at  Hartford. 

"I  am  much   interested   in  your  announcement   of   'Early  Christian 

Hymns'  bv  Daniel  Joseph   Donahoe.       He  is  a  fellow  townsman,   and 

personal  friend,  and  it  seems  to  me  a  beautiful  thing  for  a  busy  lawyer 

>  have  kept  himself  in  touch  with  this  literature  and  to  be  able  to  give 

a  translation  of  these  great  hymns.      I  hope  the  book    may    be  v 

'ely  circulated."  —  Rev.  Dr.  Raymond,  Pres't  of  Wesleyan  University. 

•:  is  a  pleasure  to  learn   that  scholarly  laymen  use  theirfree  time  in 

audable  pursuits  and  I  hope  your  effort  will  meet  with  deserved  en- 

*ment." — Rt.  Rev.  Camillus  P.  Maes,  Bishop  of  Covington,  Kv. 

very  much  pleased  to  learn  that  you  are    getting   out  a  work 

i  rly  Christian  hymns.      Cardinal  Newman,    Father  Faber  and 

much  to  make  theses  church  hymns  known:   but  they  were 

y  ->re  the  laity.      I  trust  that  both  priests  and  people  will  have 

our    work.  "  —  Rt.    Rev.    James    McGoldrick,     Bishop     of 

i. 

i  see  the  announcement  of  your  volume  of   translations 

an  Hymns',  and  I  will  take  such  opportunity  as  I  can 

volume."  —  Rev.    Samuel    Hart   of    Berkeley   Divinity 


,  now  in  press,  is  the  early   hymns  of   the  Church, 

>h  by  Judge  D.J.  Donahoe,  of  Middletown.  Conn. 

both  from  the  Breviary  and  from  other  old  Latin 

i  the  first  centuries  down  to  the  close  of  A.  D., 

•haracter  of  Judge  Donahoe's   work   has  often 

r  readers.     Quite    a   number   of   non-Catholic 

he  subscribers.   We  venture  that  it  is  one  book 

will  buv."~ Chas.  J.  O'Mallev  in    The 


Mr.  Daniel  Joseph  Donahoe's  "  Early 
Christian  Hymns  "  is  an  interesting 
volume.  It  collects  together  his  own 
versions  of  nearly  all  the  most  notable 
Latin  hymns  of  the  early  and  Middle 
Ages— nearly,  but  not  quite  all,  as  Mr  ' 
Donahoe  appears  to  think,  for  he  haL- 
omitted  such  classics  as  the  M  Adeste 
Fidelis "  and  the  M  Te  Deum."  Biog- 
raphies of  the  authors,  where  the  au- 
thors are  known,  and  historical  and 
critical  notes  on  the  anonymous  poems 
add  to  the  value  and  interest  "Wthe 
book. 

Mr.  Donahoe  tells  us  that  "  the  at- 
tempt to  turn  these  glorious  songs  *of 
the  church  into  something  fairly  rep- 
resentative of  the  thought  and  feeling 
of  the  original  "  has  been  a  labor  of 
love  with  him  during  the  past  four 
years.  Always,  he  says,  he  has  been 
an  ardent  lover  of  the  Latin  hymns. 
It  was  mere  chance,  however,  that-sug- 
gested  to  him  the  idea  of  remaking 
them  into  English.  Reading  the  "  Veni 
Sancte  Spiritus  "  one  Sunday  afternoon 
in  April,  1904,  the  words  and  melody, 
he  tells  us,  shaped  themselves  into  an 
English  form  without  any  apparent  ef- 
fort. "  The  form,"  he  adds,  "  seemed 
to  give  an  adequate  representation  of 
the  original  both  in  thought  and  feel- 
ing." Scholarly  friends  encouraged 
him  In  believing  so. 

Well,     we    cannot    quite    agree    with 
Donahoe  and  his  scholarly  friends. 


OtJM        -eAS9lA0a        9U8H  'I9AOU        3S9}T?I 

siq  ui  uviii  AmuiouSi  e^duioo  Pub  jo) 
-}n  eaoui  panbsdianq  uiopias  sigq  (esoad 
Xjoa-bs  ui  snouiuiouSi  a^  Sumbsaj 
-jnq  joj  X:unoi3j  snopuadnjs  xs  peA^idsip 
uoos  oum  mq  <}aod  ;si[oquiXs  m  aeai«b 
Ajvj9%x\  siq  uvSzq  oum)  uosjjh  AiU9R 
s^MBqo  ^-sBa^noo  ©p  ,apB0  np  9nblu 
-ojqo,,   siq  ui   UBqj   ituouiun  j£u«oiu£o 

9JOUI    J9A3U     BBAV     'aip^lOA     PUB    GKimiJ 

aio^Buv  JO  iBq;  Wm  (uosnej  iiioi»im 
}ou  pub)  pajTsduioo  uaaq  s*q  a^ioji  asoqAv 

•UIS1014OJ3    pue    uisift 

-JOJ    40JSJ    3ABH    SJ^U^    jQgt) 

joj  on«4jnS  s^joog  ?>  aoj  ^dy  ,3g 


"33NVHJ    NI    Sj 

its  author.  A  little  reflection  and  some 
pains  might  weed  out  its  redundancies 
and  reduce  its  present  plethora  to  a 
simplicity  more  in  accordance  with  the 
spirit  of  the  old-time  hymnologists. 
Meanwhile,  we  can  rest  satisfied  with 
a  book  that  gives  us  a  not  entirely  in- 
adequate idea  of  the  greatest  hymns 
ever  written  in  the  Latin  language. 


/ 


X 


& 


perenn 

to   the   0  >nt  inui;  nging. 

•  i>h    l)Dii:ihoe— a   la*  j 

fairly    rich  .f   English    trailBl 

metrical   I  |  of  one 

hundred    an  Latin    hymn.-;,    ranging 

in    date    from    the    times    of    St.    Hilary    to 
of      Pius      VII       ("Early      Oh] 

Hymns'9;    New   York:   The  Qraftoo    P 

Borne    umv-rsai    tarorite  .    Lli 
mian's  "Gravl  me  terrore  pulsaa/1  :.. 

erable   Bede's   "Hymnum   canentes   martyr- 
urn,"  an  1   B 

1,  but  many  others  of  the  same 
class  are  included,  and  with  them  a  con- 
siderable number  of  less  widely  known 
hymns  from  the  Roman  Jit:  nfortu- 

nately  most  of  this  last  class  are  of  very 
slender  merit.  Mr.  Donahoe's  renderings 
of  the  really  great  hymns  fall  very  decided- 
ly below  the  level  attained  by  our  best 
translators  of  the  same  verse,  even  when  he 
does  not  confine  himself  to  a  closely  literal 
version  of  the  original.  One  line  may  serve 
as  a  bad  example.  He  renders  thu  first 
verse  of  "Dies  Irae,"  "nay  of  Ire,  that  dire- 
ful day,"  where  the  jingle  of  "ire"  and 
"dire"  is  disastrous,  to  say  nothing  about 
the  adequacy  of  "ire"  in  its«lf.  The  trans- 
lator is  more  at  his  ease  in  less  high  com- 
pany. The  attempt  to  render  i 
sapphics  in  "the  metres  of  the  original" 
is  a  failure.  Even  Tennyson  could  not 
have  done  that.  But  in  general  Mr.  Dona- 
hoe's understanding  is  correct,  his  pen  fa- 
cile, his  spirit  sweet  and  sympathetic,  and 
his  versions  eminently  readable.  T: 
dering  of  the  "Pange  Lingua"  of 
natus  is  a  good  example  of  the  translator's 
best   style. 


